Elektrolytkomposition

Elektrolytkomposition refers to the identity and concentration of ions present in an electrolyte solution. The term is used across chemistry, biology, and electrochemical engineering to describe how cations and anions are balanced to enable electrical conduction and chemical reactivity.

In chemical and industrial contexts, the composition determines properties such as conductivity, electrochemical stability, viscosity, and compatibility with electrode materials. In biological systems, the electrolyte composition of body fluids such as blood plasma and intracellular fluid is tightly regulated to maintain osmolality, acid-base balance, and nerve and muscle function.

Common ions include sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), chloride (Cl−), bicarbonate (HCO3−), phosphate (HPO4^2− or H2PO4−), and sulfate (SO4^2−). Concentrations are typically expressed in millimoles per liter (mM) or milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Normal ranges (in plasma) vary, but approximate adult values are Na+ 135–145 mEq/L, K+ 3.5–5.0 mEq/L, Cl− 98–106 mEq/L, HCO3− 22–28 mEq/L, Ca2+ 2.2–2.6 mM, Mg2+ 0.75–0.95 mM; phosphate levels are about 0.8–1.5 mM.

Examples include medical intravenous fluids such as normal saline (0.9% NaCl) and Ringer's lactate, which differ in the set of ions and their concentrations. In electrochemical devices, electrolyte formulations may use lithium salts in organic solvents for lithium-ion batteries, or aqueous salts for fuel cells and electrolysis. The choice of composition affects conductivity, electrode overpotential, and stability.

Measurement and analysis involve conductivity meters to estimate total ionic content, ion-selective electrodes for specific ions, and chromatographic methods such as ion chromatography for separation and quantification. Regulation of electrolyte composition is essential in clinical care, industry, and energy technologies.