Neutral carriers based polymeric membrane electrodes for selective determination of mercury (II)

The potentiometric response characteristics of mercury ion-selective membrane electrodes based on 2-amino-6-purinethiol (I₁) and 5-amino-1, 3, 4-thiadiazole-2-thiol (I₂) were described. Ion selectivities were tested for various plasticizers, which were used as solvent mediators to incorporate the ionophores into the membrane. Effects of experimental parameters such as membrane composition, nature and amount of plasticizers and additives, pH and concentration of internal solution on the potential response of Hg²⁺ electrodes were investigated. The best performance was obtained with the electrode having a membrane composition (w/w) of (I₁) (3.17%): PVC (31.7%): DOP (dioctylpthalate) (63.4%): NaTPB (sodium tetraphenylborate) (1.58%). The proposed electrode reveals a Nernstian response over Hg²⁺ ion in the concentration range of 7.0 × 10⁻⁸-1.0 × 10⁻¹ M with limit of detection 4.4 × 10⁻⁸ M. The electrode shows good discrimination toward Hg²⁺ ion with respect to most common cations. It shows a short response time (10 s) for whole concentration range and can be used for 2 months without any considerable divergence in potentials. For evaluation of the analytical applicability, the electrode was used in the determination of Hg²⁺ ion in different environmental and biological samples. The practical utility of the membrane electrode has also been observed in the presence of surfactants.     

A copper-selective electrode based on bis(acetylacetone)propylenediimine

The potentiometric response characteristics of Cu²⁺-selective electrodes based on bis(acetylacetone)propylenediimine (I) combined with anion localizing agent (sodium tetraphenyl borate (NaTPB)) and solvent mediators (dibutyl butyl phosphonate (DBBP), tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) and chloronaphthalene (CN)) were investigated. The best results for Cu²⁺ sensing was obtained for the electrode membrane containing PVC, I, DBBP and NaTPB in composition 5:100:200:6 (I:PVC:DBBP:NaTPB) (w/w; mg), where the electrode had a Nernstian response (30.0 mV/decade) to Cu²⁺ within the concentration range 1.0 × 10⁻⁵ to 1.0 × 10⁻¹ M and detection limit of 0.5 ppm. The operational pH range of the electrode was 3.3-7.0. Selectivity characteristic of the proposed electrode was also assessed by calculating using fixed interference method matched potential method. The sensor has been successfully used in the potentiometric titration of copper ions with EDTA.     

Strontium(II)-selective electrode based on a macrocyclic tetraamide

A new PVC membrane electrode based on 5,7,12,14-dibenzo-2,3,9,10-tetraoxa-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (I) as an ion carrier, o-nitrophenyloctyl ether (o-NPOE) as solvent mediator and sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as lipophilic additive was fabricated and investigated as Sr²⁺-selective electrode. The best performance was exhibited by the membrane having composition 8:200:4:120 (I:o-NPOE:NaTPB:PVC). The electrode exhibited a Nernstian response for strontium ion over a wide concentration range 3.98 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁻¹ M with a slope of 29.0 ± 0.1 mV/decade of concentration and a detection limit of 2.82 × 10⁻⁶ M. It showed a response time of less than 10 s and could be used for at least 3 months without any divergence in potential. The proposed electrode showed a good discriminating ability towards strontium(II) ion over a wide variety of other metal ions including alkali, alkaline earth, transition, and heavy metal ions. The electrode can be used in the pH range of 2.5-10.5 and in mixtures containing up to 35% (v/v) non-aqueous content. It was used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of strontium ion against EDTA.     

Development of electrochemical sensors for nano scale Tb(III) ion determination based on pendant macrocyclic ligands

The two macrocyclic pendant ligands 3,4,5:12,13,14-dipyridine-2,6,11,15-tetramethyl-1,7,10,16-tetramethylacrylate-1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaazacyclooctadeca-3,13-di ene (L₁) and 3,4,5:12,13,14-dipyridine-2,6,11,15-tetramethyl-1,7,10,16-tetra(2-cyano ethane)-1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaazacyclooctadeca-3,13-diene (L₂) have been synthesized and explored as neutral ionophores for preparing poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) based membrane sensors selective to Tb(III) ions. Effects of various plasticizers and anion excluders were studied in detail and improved performance was observed. The best performance was obtained for the membrane sensor having a composition of L₁: PVC:1-CN:NaTPB in the ratio of 6: 32: 58: 4 (w/w; mg). The performance of the membrane based on L₁ was compared with polymeric membrane electrode (PME) as well as with coated graphite electrode (CGE). The electrodes exhibit Nernstian slope for Tb³⁺ ions with limits of detection of 3.4 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹ for PME and 5.7 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹ for CGE. The response time for PME and CGE was found to be 10 s and 8 s, respectively. The potentiometric responses are independent of the pH of the test solution in the pH range 3.0-7.5 for PME and 2.0-8.5 for CGE. The CGE has found to work satisfactorily in partially non-aqueous media upto 30% (v/v) content of methanol, ethanol and 20% (v/v) content of acetonitrile and could be used for a period of 5 months. The CGE was used as indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Tb³⁺ ions with EDTA and in determination of fluoride ions in various samples. It can also be used in direct determination of Tb³⁺ ions in tap water and various binary mixtures with quantitative results.     

Magnesium-tetrazaporphyrin incorporated PVC matrix as a new material for fabrication of Mg(2+) selective potentiometric sensor

Membrane incorporating [Mg{(TAP)(SBn)₈}] complex, (I), as ionophore with composition I:NaTPB:DOP:PVC in the ratio 10:2:133:200 (w/w) exhibits the best result for potentiometric sensing of Mg²⁺ ions. This gives linear potential response in the concentration range of 9.4×10⁻⁶ to 1.0×10⁻¹ M with a slope of 29.2±0.4 mV per decade of activity of Mg²⁺. Standard deviation in observed values of potentials in this concentration range, from the least square fit line, found to be 2.91 mV with 90% confidence limit lying within ±0.4 mV per decade of activity. The electrode works satisfactorily in the pH range 3.5-7.8 and shows a fast response time of 13±2 s. It shows good selectivity for Mg²⁺ over other mono-, bi- and tri-valent cations. Only K⁺ and Zn²⁺ cause slight interference if present at concentrations ≥1.0×10⁻⁵ M. The electrode is durable and can be used over a period of 5 months with good reproducibility (∼1% error). It has been successfully used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of Mg²⁺ against EDTA as well as for the determination of Mg²⁺ in simulated mixtures.     

Highly selective and sensitive fluorescent chemosensor for Hg in aqueous solution

A new indole-based fluorescent chemosensor 1 was prepared and its metal ion sensing properties were investigated. It exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity toward Hg²⁺ among a series of metal ions in H₂O-EtOH (7:1, v/v). The association constant of the 1:1 complex formation for 1-Hg²⁺ was calculated to be 9.57 × 10³ M⁻¹, and the detection limit for Hg²⁺ was found to be 2.25 × 10⁻⁵ M. Computational results revealed that 1 and Hg²⁺ ion formed with a central tetrahedron-coordinated Hg²⁺.     

Comparative studies of ONNO-based ligands as ionophores for palladium ion-selective membrane sensors

Palladium sensors based on two neutral ionophores, N,N′-bis(acetylacetone) cyclohexanediamine (L₁) and N,N′-bis(o-hydroxyacetophenone)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (L₂) for quantification of palladium ions are described. Effect of various plasticizers (o-NPOE, DBP, DEP, DOP, TBP, and CN) and anion excluder, sodium tetra phenyl borate (NaTPB) has been studied. The best performance is obtained with a membrane composition of PVC:o-NPOE:ionophore (L₁):NaTPB of 150:300:5:5 (%, w/w). The sensor exhibits significantly enhanced selectivity towards palladium ion over the concentration range 1.0 × 10⁻⁸ to 1.0 × 10⁻¹ M with a lower detection limit of 4.0 × 10⁻⁹ M and a Nernstian compliance (29.1 ± 0.3 mV decade⁻¹ of activity) within pH range 2.0-6.0 and fast response time of 10 s. Influence of the membrane composition and possible interfering ions has also been investigated on the response properties of the electrode. Fast and stable response, good reproducibility and long-term stability of the sensor are demonstrated. The sensor has been found to work satisfactorily in partially non-aqueous media up to 20% (v/v) content of methanol, ethanol and acetonitrile and could be used for a period of 4 months. Selectivity coefficients determined with fixed interference method (FIM) indicate high selectivity for palladium. The proposed electrode shows fairly good discrimination of palladium from other cations. The application of prepared sensor has been demonstrated in determination of palladium ions in spiked water sample.     

Manganese (II) selective PVC based membrane sensor using a Schiff base

N,N′,N″,N′′′-1,5,8,12-tetraazadodecane-bis(salicylaldiminato)(H₂L) has been used as ionophore for preparing Mn²⁺ selective sensor. Membranes of different composition with regard to ratio of H₂L:PVC:NPOE:NaTPB have been prepared and investigated. The best performance was obtained with the membrane of composition 10:150:150:10 (H₂L:PVC:NPOE:NaTPB) (w/w; mg). This membrane generated linear potential response in the concentration range of 5.0 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁻¹ M with a Nernstian slope of 30.0 mV/decade of activity and fast response time (10 s). Hydrogen ion does not effect to the performance of sensor in the pH range 3.0-6.5. The sensor was found to be sufficient selective for Mn²⁺ over a number of alkali, alkaline and heavy metal ions and could therefore be used for the determination of manganese in various samples by direct potentiometry.     

Comparative studies of neodymium (III)-selective PVC membrane sensors

Sensors based on two neutral ionophores, N,N′-bis((1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine (L₁) and 3,3′-(cyclohexane-1,2-diylbis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(5-hydroxymethyl)pyridine-2-ol) (L₂) are described for quantification of neodymium (III). Effect of various plasticizers; 2-nitrophenyloctylether (o-NPOE), dibutyl butylphosphonate (DBBP), tri-n-butyl phosphates (TBP), dioctylpthalate (DOP) and chloronapthalen (CN) and anion excluder, sodiumtetraphenylborate (NaTPB) has been studied. The membrane composition of PVC:o-NPOE:ionophore (L₁):NaTPB (w/w; mg) of 150:300:5:5 exhibited best performance. The sensor with ionophore (L₁) exhibits significantly enhanced selectivity towards neodymium (III) in the concentration range 5.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10⁻² M with a detection limit of 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ M and a Nernstian compliance (19.8 ± 0.3 mV decade⁻¹ of activity) within pH range 4.0-8.0. The response time of sensor was found as 10 s. The influence of the membrane composition and possible interfering ions has also been investigated on the response properties of the electrode. The fast and stable response, good reproducibility and long-term stability of the sensor are observed. The sensor has been found to work satisfactorily in partially non-aqueous media up to 20% (v/v) content of methanol, ethanol or acetonitrile and could be used for a period of 3 months. The selectivity coefficients determined by using fixed interference method (FIM) indicate high selectivity for neodymium. The proposed electrode shows fairly good discrimination of neodymium (III) from other cations. The application of prepared sensor has been demonstrated in the determination of neodymium (III) in spiked water samples.     

Organotin compounds: an ionophore system for fluoride ion recognition

Ion-selective properties were established for membrane electrodes prepared by using organotin compounds of type (L^CNRSnF₂)_n, (R = n-Bu (I), = Ph (II)) and (L^CNSnF₃)_n (III) (L^CN = C₆H₄(CH₂NMe₂)-2). Electrodes formulated with the optimized membranes containing the organotin compounds I-III as ionophores and sodium tetraphenylborate (10-30%) exhibited high selectivity for fluoride over other anions. An electrode prepared with ionophore II using dibutyl phthalate as the plasticizer and 15% sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as anion additive, possesses the best potentiometric response characteristics. It shows a detection limit of 7.9 × 10⁻⁷ M with a slope of 62.7 mV decade⁻¹ of activity in buffer solutions of pH 5.5. The interference from other anions is suppressed under this optimized measurement conditions. An entirely non-Hofmeister selectivity sequence (F⁻ > CH₃COO⁻ > Cl⁻ > I⁻ ∼ Br⁻ >ClO₄⁻ > NO₂⁻ > NO₃⁻ > SCN⁻) with remarkable preference towards fluoride is obtained. The influence on the electrode performances by anion additive was studied, and the possible response mechanism was investigated by UV-vis spectra. The electrode has been used for direct determination of fluoride in drinking mineral water with satisfactory results.     

A new Hg-selective fluorescent sensor based on a dansyl amide-armed calix[4]-aza-crown

A new fluorescent chemosensor for Hg²⁺ based on a dansyl amide-armed calix[4]-aza-crown was reported. It exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity toward Hg²⁺ over a wide range of metal ions in MeCN-H₂O (4:1, v/v). The association constant of the 1:1 complex formation for 2-Hg²⁺ was calculated to be 1.31 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, and the detection limit for Hg²⁺ was found to be 4.1 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹.     

A highly selective and sensitive fluorescein-based chemodosimeter for Hg2+ ions in aqueous media

A new fluorescein-based chemodosimeter (II) for Hg²⁺ ion was designed and synthesized, and it displayed excellent selective and sensitive toward Hg²⁺ ion over other commonly metal ions in aqueous media. II was a colorless, non-fluorescent compound. Upon addition of Hg²⁺ to the solution of II, the thiosemicarbazide moiety of II would undergo an irreversible desulfurization reaction to form its corresponding oxadiazole (IV), a colorful and fluorescent product. During this process, the spirocyclic ring of II was opened, causing instantaneous development of visible color and strong fluorescence emission in the range of 500-600 nm. Based on the above mechanism, a fluorogenic Hg²⁺-selective chemodosimeter was developed. The fluorescence increase is linearly with Hg²⁺ concentration up to 1.0 μmol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 8.5 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol L⁻¹ (3σ). Compared with the rhodamine-type chemodosimeter, II is more stable in aqueous media and exhibits higher sensitivity toward Hg²⁺. The findings suggest that II will serve as a practical chemodosimeter for rapid detection of Hg²⁺ concentrations in realistic media.     

Comparative studies of praseodymium(III) selective sensors based on newly synthesized Schiff's bases

Praseodymium ion selective polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane sensors, based on two new Schiff's bases 1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-diylidenebis(azan-1-ylidene)diphenol (M₁) and N,N′-bis(pyridoxylideneiminato) ethylene (M₂) have been developed and studied. The sensor having membrane composition of PVC: o-NPOE: ionophore (M₁): NaTPB (w/w; mg) of 150: 300: 8: 5 showed best performances in comparison to M₂ based membranes. The sensor based on (M₁) exhibits the working concentration range 1.0 × 10⁻⁸ to 1.0 × 10⁻² M with a detection limit of 5.0 × 10⁻⁹ M and a Nernstian slope 20.0 ± 0.3 mV decade⁻¹ of activity. It exhibited a quick response time as <8 s and its potential responses were pH independent across the range of 3.5-8.5.The influence of the membrane composition and possible interfering ions have also been investigated on the response properties of the electrode. The sensor has been found to work satisfactorily in partially non-aqueous media up to 15% (v/v) content of methanol, ethanol or acetonitrile and could be used for a period of 3 months. The selectivity coefficients determined by using fixed interference method (FIM) indicate high selectivity for praseodymium(III) ions over wide variety of other cations. To asses its analytical applicability the prepared sensor was successfully applied for determination of praseodymium(III) in spiked water samples.     

Chromium(III) selective membrane sensors based on Schiff bases as chelating ionophores

The two chromium chelates of Schiff bases, N-(acetoacetanilide)-1,2-diaminoethane (L₁) and N,N′-bis(acetoacetanilide)-triethylenetetraammine (L₂), have been synthesized and explored as neutral ionophores for preparing poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) based membrane sensors selective to Cr(III). The addition of lipophilic anion excluder (NaTPB) and various plasticizers viz. o-Nitrophenyloctyl ether (o-NPOE), dioctylpthalate (DOP), dibutylphthalate (DBP), tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP), and benzyl acetate (BA) have found to improve the performance of the sensors. The best performance was obtained for the membrane sensor having a composition of L₁:PVC:DBP:NaTPB in the ratio 5:150:250:3 (w/w). The sensor exhibits Nernstian response in the concentration range 8.9 × 10⁻⁸ to 1.0 × 10⁻¹ M Cr³⁺ with limit of detection 5.6 × 10⁻⁸ M. The proposed sensor manifest advantages of relatively fast response (10 s) and good selectivity over some alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions. The selectivity behavior of the proposed electrode revealed a considerable improvement as compared to the best previously PVC-membrane electrode for chromium(III) ion. The potentiometric response of the proposed sensor was independent of pH of the test solution in the range of 2.0-7.0. The sensor has found to work satisfactorily in partially non-aqueous media up to 20% (v/v) content of methanol, ethanol and acetonitrile and could be used for a period of 3 months. The proposed electrode was used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of chromium ion with EDTA and in direct determination in different water and food samples.     

Hg- and Cu-selective fluoroionophoric behaviors of a dioxocyclam derivative bearing anthrylacetamide moieties

New dioxocyclam derivatives bearing two anthracene fluorophores were prepared, and their fluoroionophoric properties toward transition metal ions were investigated. Chemosensor 2 having anthrylacetamide moieties exhibited pronounced Hg²⁺- and Cu²⁺-selective fluoroionophoric properties in aqueous acetonitrile solution over other representative transition metal ions, as well as alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. Chemosensor 2 also exhibited Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ selectivity under competitive conditions in the presence of physiologically and environmentally important metal ions. The detection limits for the sensing of Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions were 7.8 × 10⁻⁶ and 1.5 × 10⁻⁶ M, respectively, in aqueous 95% acetonitrile solution.     

A highly selective fluorescent probe for Hg based on a rhodamine-coumarin conjugate

A fluorescent probe 1 for Hg²⁺ based on a rhodamine-coumarin conjugate was designed and synthesized. Probe 1 exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity for sensing Hg²⁺, and about a 24-fold increase in fluorescence emission intensity is observed upon binding excess Hg²⁺ in 50% water/ethanol buffered at pH 7.24. The fluorescence response to Hg²⁺ is attributed to the 1:1 complex formation between probe 1 and Hg²⁺, which has been utilized as the basis for the selective detection of Hg²⁺. Besides, probe 1 was also found to show a reversible dual chromo- and fluorogenic response toward Hg²⁺ likely due to the chelation-induced ring opening of rhodamine spirolactam. The analytical performance characteristics of the proposed Hg²⁺-sensitive probe were investigated. The linear response range covers a concentration range of Hg²⁺ from 8.0 × 10⁻⁸ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ and the detection limit is 4.0 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹. The determination of Hg²⁺ in both tap and river water samples displays satisfactory results.     

A fluorescent chemosensor for Hg based on naphthalimide derivative by fluorescence enhancement in aqueous solution

Naphthalimide derivative (compound 1) containing hydrophilic hexanoic acid group was synthesized and used to recognize Hg²⁺ in aqueous solution. The fluorescence enhancement of 1 is attributed to the formation of a complex between 1 and Hg²⁺ by 1:1 complex ratio (K = 2.08 × 10⁵), which has been utilized as the basis of fabrication of the Hg²⁺-sensitive fluorescent chemosensor. The comparison of this method with some other fluorescence methods for the determination of Hg²⁺ indicated that the method can be applied in aqueous solution rather than organic solution. The analytical performance characteristics of the proposed Hg²⁺-sensitive chemosensor were investigated. The chemosensor can be applied to the quantification of Hg²⁺ with a linear range covering from 2.57 × 10⁻⁷ to 9.27 × 10⁻⁵ M and a detection limit of 4.93 × 10⁻⁸ M. The experiment results show that the response behavior of 1 toward Hg²⁺ is pH independent in medium condition (pH 4.0–8.0). Most importantly, the fluorescence changes of the chemosensor are remarkably specific for Hg²⁺ in the presence of other metal ions, which meet the selective requirements for practical application. Moreover, the response of the chemosensor toward Hg²⁺ is fast (response time less than 1 min). In addition, the chemosensor has been used for determination of Hg²⁺ in hair samples with satisfactory results, which further demonstrates its value of practical applications.     

5,10,15-Tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole as highly selective neutral carrier for a silver ion-sensitive electrode

A new highly selective silver(I) electrode was prepared with a PVC membrane using 5,10,15-tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole as an electroactive material, 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPOE) as a plasticizer and sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as an additive in the percentage ratio of 3:3:62:32 (corrole:NaTPB:o-NPOE:PVC, w:w). The electrode exhibited linear response with a near Nernstian slope of 54.8 mV/decade within the concentration range of 5.1 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁻¹ M silver ions, with a working pH range from 4.0 to 8.0, and a fast response time of <30 s. Selectivity coefficients for Ag(I) relative to a number of interfering ions were investigated. The electrode is highly selective for Ag(I) ions over a large number of mono-, bi-, and tri-valent cations. Common interferents like Hg²⁺ and Cd²⁺ show very low interfering effect on the silver assay, which is valuable property of the proposed electrode. Several electroactive materials and solvent mediators have been compared and the experimental conditions were optimized. The sensor was applied to the determination of silver in real ore samples with satisfied results.     

Determination of Hg on poly(vinylferrocenium) (PVF)-modified platinum electrode

A new surface based on poly(vinylferrocenium) (PVF⁺)-modified platinum electrode was developed for determination of Hg²⁺ ions in aqueous solutions. The polymer was electrodeposited on platinum electrode by constant potential electrolysis as PVF⁺ClO₄⁻. Cl⁻ ions were then attached to the polymer matrix by anion exchange and the modified electrode was dipped into Hg²⁺ solution. Hg²⁺ was preconcentrated at the polymer matrix by adsorption and also complexation reaction with Cl⁻. Detection of Hg²⁺ was carried out by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) after reduction of Hg²⁺. Mercury ions as low as 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ M could be detected with the prepared electrode and the relative standard deviation was calculated as 6.35% at 1 × 10⁻⁶ M concentration (n = 6). Interferences of Ag⁺, Pb²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions were also studied at two different concentration ratios with respect to Hg²⁺. The developed electrode was applied to the determination of Hg²⁺ in water samples.     

A multi-channel sensor based on 8-hydroxyquinoline ferrocenoate for probing Hg(II) ion

A new sensing molecule 8-hydroxyquinoline ferrocenoate (Fc-Q) which combines ferrocene and 8-hydroxyquinoline moieties was synthesized and applied as a multi-channel sensor for the detection of Hg²⁺ ion. Fc-Q can coordinate with Hg²⁺ to give colorimetric, fluorescent and electrochemical responses. Upon complexation with Hg²⁺ ion, the characteristic absorption peak is red-shifted (Δλ = 45 nm), the fluorescent intensity is quenched at 303 nm, and the oxidation peak is cathodic shifted (ΔE_1/2 = −149 mV). Quantitatively analyzed Hg²⁺ ions at the range of ppb level could be achieved by electrochemical response. For the practical application of sensing Hg²⁺ in real world water, Fc-Q modified screen-printed carbon electrodes were obtained for facile, sensitive, and on-site analysis of Hg²⁺.