An electrode for use in miniaturized sensor applications includes an electrically conductive element, a first layer of a salt on the surface of the conductive element having a common cation with the conductive element, a second layer of a second salt coating the first layer, the second layer having a common anion with the first layer, and a membrane covering the second layer, wherein the electrode is completely anhydrous when formed. The membrane may be selected to form either an ion selective electrode or a reference electrode.