Buffer Solution

The main application of pH buffer solutions is pHmeter calibration. The pHmeter measures the potential difference between two electrodes immersed in the same solution. According to the Nernst equation, this measure is related to the hydrogen ion concentration of the solution and then to pH value.

Buffer solutions are also used to buffer unstable solutions that need to be kept between a pH range to avoid decomposition.

This is also applied to reaction media where the final or intermediate compounds stability depends on pH.