A Report on the National Bureau of Standards pH Standards

Abstract

In 1980, the research program in pH was re-established at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS). This report describes the state of this research, as well as the state of the NBS pH standards. The thermodynamic definition and the determination of pH are elaborated. The problems of liquid junction potentials encountered in the practical determination of pH are discussed. The goal of the research program in pH is to develop and maintain a unified pH scale based on clearly stated thermodynamic criteria, with a wide range of applicability to practical pH measurements.