A ‘pH buffer‘ is a solution of a weak acid/base and its conjugate base/acid, which resists a change in pH and is prepared via the following steps:
1. Choosing the desired buffer system by comparing the pK value(s) for the weak acid/base and the target
buffering pH(s) (= pK(s) ± 1, range (s) of maximal buffer capacity
2. Determining the total desired buffer concentration, based on the desired buffer capacity and ionic strength
3. Preparing stock solutions of the buffer constituents
4. Formulating the buffer by determining the volumes of each stock solution required
5. Diluting the buffer to the desired final concentration