Electrochemical studies on the performance characteristics of alkaline solid embeddable sensor for concrete environments

Abstract In this study, alkaline solid embeddable MnO 2 is used as a reference sensor for concrete environments. The performance characteristics are evaluated in a saturated calcium hydroxide solution, a synthetic concrete pore solution and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) extracts which correspond to the concrete environments. The electrochemical stability of the MnO 2 electrode is studied in the said concrete environments. The uniformity of the MnO 2 sensor is tested in concrete environments. The reversibility of MnO 2 sensor in three alkaline solutions is within ±10 mV, which is very well within the limit as sensor for concrete. The polarization behaviour of MnO 2 electrode in concrete environments is carried out potentiodynamically and impedance behaviour showed the stability of sensor. All the studies revealed that MnO 2 as a suitable sensor electrode for concrete structures.