Advanced Buffer pH Calculator
Complete Buffer Analysis & Preparation Tool
🧪 Buffer Solutions
Mixtures of weak acids/bases with their conjugate pairs that resist pH changes upon addition of acids or bases.
📐 Henderson-Hasselbalch
pH = pKa + log([A⁻]/[HA]) for acidic buffers. Essential equation for buffer calculations and design.
⚡ Buffer Capacity
Maximum buffering occurs when pH = pKa. Effective range is typically pKa ± 1 pH unit.
Select Calculation Mode:
Calculate Buffer pH
📚 Common Laboratory Buffer Systems
🔬 Standard Buffer Recipes (1L, 0.1M)
💡 Buffer Preparation Best Practices
Choose Appropriate pKa
Select a buffer with pKa within ±1 pH unit of your target. Buffering capacity is maximum when pH = pKa.
Temperature Considerations
Tris: -0.028 pH/°C, Phosphate: -0.003 pH/°C, HEPES: -0.014 pH/°C. Adjust pH at working temperature.
Ionic Strength Effects
High salt concentrations affect pH. Add salts before final pH adjustment or use ionic strength corrections.
Avoid Metal Chelators
Phosphate and citrate chelate metal ions. Use Good's buffers (HEPES, MES, MOPS) for metal-sensitive work.
Concentration Guidelines
10-100 mM for most applications. Higher concentrations increase capacity but may affect osmolarity and ionic strength.
Sterilization Methods
Autoclave phosphate/Tris buffers. Filter-sterilize biological buffers (HEPES, MES) to prevent degradation.
Storage Stability
Store at 4°C. Check pH before use. Some buffers support microbial growth - add sodium azide (0.02%) if needed.
CO₂ Sensitivity
Tris and bicarbonate buffers are CO₂-sensitive. Keep covered. HEPES resists CO₂ interference - ideal for cell culture.