Improving the lower detection limit of potentiometric sensors by covalently binding the ionophore to a polymer backbone

The lower detection limit of polymeric membrane ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) is impaired by zero-current ion fluxes through the organic phase. This adverse effect is largely eliminated by covalently attaching the ionophore to a polymer backbone. To this purpose, the Pb²⁺-selective ligand, 4-tert-butylcalix[4] arene-tetrakis(N,N′-dimethylthioacetamide) is substituted on its upper rim by a diol derivative which is subsequently copolymerized with poly(tetrahydrofuran)diol and 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate to the corresponding polyurethane. By measurements on sandwich membranes, it is shown that through binding the ionophore to the polymer, the mobility of Pb²⁺ in the ISE membrane is strongly reduced. As a consequence, the response range of such an ISE is extended by several orders of magnitude. This is the case even when using an internal electrolyte that with an ISE based on a mobile ionophore leads to strong deviations from the linear response because of ion uptake from the sample into the membrane or ion release from the membrane into the sample. With a conventional inner filling solution of 10⁻¹ M Pb(NO₃)₂, a lower detection limit of 1.7×10⁻⁹ M Pb²⁺ has been achieved in the presence of 10⁻⁴ M Na⁺.     

A calixarene-based ion-selective electrode for thallium(I) detection

Three new calixarene Tl⁺ ionophores have been utilized in Tl⁺ ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) yielding Nernstian response in the concentration range of 10⁻²–10⁻⁶ M TlNO₃ with a non-optimized filling solution in a conventional liquid contact ISE configuration. The complex formation constants (log β_IL) for two of the calixarene derivatives with thallium(I) (i.e. 6.44 and 5.85) were measured using the sandwich membrane technique, with the other ionophore immeasurable due to eventual precipitation of the ionophore during these long-term experiments. Furthermore, the unbiased selectivity coefficients for these ionophores displayed excellent selectivity against Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Al³⁺ with moderate selectivity against Pb²⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, H⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺ and Cs⁺, noting that silver was the only significant interferent with these calixarene-based ionophores. When optimizing the filling solution in a liquid contact ISE, it was possible to achieve a lower limit of detection of approximately 8 nM according to the IUPAC definition. Last, the new ionophores were also evaluated in four solid-contact (SC) designs leading to Nernstian response, with the best response noted with a SC electrode utilizing a gold substrate, a poly(3-octylthiophene) (POT) ion-to-electron transducer and a poly(methyl methacrylate)–poly(decyl methacrylate) (PMMA–PDMA) co-polymer membrane. This electrode exhibited a slope of 58.4 mV decade⁻¹ and a lower detection limit of 30.2 nM. Due to the presence of an undesirable water layer and/or leaching of redox mediator from the graphite redox buffered SC, a coated wire electrode on gold and graphite redox buffered SC yielded grossly inferior detection limits against the polypyrrole/PVC SC and POT/PMMA–PDMA SC ISEs that did not display signs of a water layer or leaching of SC ingredients into the membrane.     

Complexes of tetra-tert-butyl-tetraazaporphine with Al(III) and Zr(IV) cations as fluoride selective ionophores

In this work, complexes of Zr(IV) and Al(III) cations with 2,7,12,17-tetra-tert-butyl-5,10,15,20-tetraazaporphine (TAP) were tested as ionophores in plasticized PVC membranes of ion-selective electrodes. It was found that both tested ionophores show enhanced affinity towards fluoride anion. High fluoride selectivity was observed in the presence of anionic or cationic additives in the membrane, which indicates that proposed compounds work according to charged or neutral carrier mechanism, depending on membrane composition and pretreatment.tert-Butyl substituents, present in the structure of tested compounds, were supposed to prevent formation of ionophore dimers within the membrane phase. This process was found to be responsible for some unfavorable potentiometric properties of electrodes based on complexes of Zr(IV) and Al(III) cations with porphyrins (compounds closely related to tetra-tert-butyl-5,10,15,20-tetraazaporphine). As it was shown using spectrophotometrical measurements, Al(III)-TAP was not susceptible to dimerization, while dimer formation was observed for Zr(IV)-TAP. In full agreement with these observations, electrodes with membranes containing Al(III)-TAP responded in near-Nernstian and fast manner towards fluoride anion, while the employment of Zr(IV)-TAP as ionophore resulted in super-Nernstian and sluggish response. Plasticized PVC membranes doped with Al(III)-TAP and 20 mol% of lipophilic anionic additives shown remarkable F⁻ selectivity, with selectivity coefficients, , as follows: −4.4 (Y⁻Br⁻), −4.3 (Cl⁻), −4.2 (NO₃⁻), −3.6 (SCN⁻), −2.9 (ClO₄⁻).     

Fluoride-selective polymeric membrane electrodes based on Zr(IV)- and Al(III)-salen ionophores of various structures

Al(III)- and Zr(IV)-salophens of novel structures were tested as anion-selective ionophores. It was shown that these compounds are highly selective to fluoride and give selectivity greatly deviating from classical Hofmeister pattern, when doped into the polymeric membrane of ion-selective electrode (ISE). The following selectivity sequence has been recorded for both ionophores: F⁻ > ClO₄⁻ > SCN⁻ > NO₃⁻ ≈ Br⁻ ≈ Cl⁻. The results of potentiometric and spectrophotometric measurements allow to conclude that the nature and structure of salophen ligands influence stability of ISE working parameters. An increase in salophen ligands lipophilicity results in prolongation of the ISE lifetime, most likely due to slower ionophore decomposition caused by the hydrolysis of imine bonds in salophen structure. Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) with the most successful Al(III)-salophen exhibited a stable, fast and near-Nernstian fluoride response and a functional lifetime near 3 weeks and selectivity coefficients with as follows: −2.8 (Y⁻ = Br⁻), −2.7 (Cl⁻), −2.8 (NO₃⁻), −1.5 (SCN⁻), −1.3 (ClO₄⁻), which is better than for other ones based on Zr(IV)- and Al(III)-salophens and salens described to date.     

Polymeric membrane electrodes with enhanced fluoride selectivity using Zr(IV)-porphyrins functioning as neutral carriers

Poly(vinyl chloride) polymeric membranes plasticized with o-NPOE (o-nitrophenyl octyl ether) or DOS (dibutyl sebacate) and containing Zr(IV)-octaethyl(OEP)- or Zr(IV)-tetraphenylporphyrins (TPP) along with lipophilic cationic additives (tridodecylmethylammonium chloride; TDMACl) are examined potentiometrically and optically with respect to their response toward fluoride. It is shown that these zirconium porphyrins can function as neutral anion carriers within the organic membranes of the electrodes. Spectrophotometric measurements of thin polymeric films indicate that the presence of lipophilic cationic sites in the form of TDMA⁺ and use of lower dielectric constant plasticizer (DOS) prevents formation of metalloporphyrin dimers in the organic polymer phase, which have been observed previously in polymeric membranes formulated with the same Zr(IV) porphyrins but with lipophilic anion site additives. By preventing dimer formation, rapid and Nernstian potentiometric response of the corresponding membrane electrodes toward fluoride ion is observed. Indeed, electrodes prepared with PVC/DOS membranes containing Zr(IV)-OEP and 15 mol% of TDMACl (relative to the ionophore) exhibit fast (t₉₅<15 s) and reversible response toward fluoride. The slope of calibration plots are near-Nernstian (−59.9 mV per decade). Such electrodes display the following selectivity pattern: ClO₄⁻>SCN⁻>F⁻>NO₃⁻>Br⁻>Cl⁻, which differs significantly from the classical Hofmeister series, with greatly enhanced potentiometric selectivity toward fluoride. The data presented herein, coupled with results from a previous study, confirm that Zr(IV) porphyrins can serve as either charged or neutral type anion carriers with respect to their enhanced interactions with fluoride when used as ionophores to prepare liquid-polymeric membrane electrodes, and that the nature of membrane additives and plasticizer dictates the response mechanism at play for given membrane formulations.     

Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) as an alternative charged material to poly(vinyl chloride) in the design of ion-selective electrodes

To date, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is the most used polymer in the design of ion selective electrode (ISE) membranes. This paper is focused on the use of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) as an alternative material to PVC for the design of ISEs. SPEEK of the desired degree of sulfonation is synthesized from poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK). An NH₄⁺-ISE has been chosen as a model electrode to study the efficiency of SPEEK as polymer matrix of the membrane. The material was evaluated in ionophore free ion exchanger membranes as well as in ion-selective electrodes membranes containing nonactine as ionophore. Analytical performance parameters of the prepared electrodes were evaluated. The electrodes show a slope between 50 and 60 mV dec⁻¹ depending on both the calibration medium and the membrane composition. A linear range of response between 10⁻⁴ and 1.0 M and a lifetime of 1-2 months were obtained. The interferences of cations such us Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Li⁺ and K⁺ over the prepared ISEs are studied as well. Although the plasticizer in the SPEEK based membrane matrix is not necessary, its presence improves the sensibility. This makes SPEEK a good potential choice over alternative membrane matrices reported in the literature and a promising platform for the establishment of membrane components.     

Synthesis and characterization of monoazathiacrown ethers as ionophores for polymeric membrane silver-selective electrodes

Nine monoazathiacrown ethers have been synthesized and explored as ionophores for polymeric membrane Ag⁺-selective electrodes. Potentiometric responses reveal that the ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) based on 2,2′-thiodiethanethiol derivatives can exhibit excellent selectivities toward Ag⁺. The plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membrane electrode using 22-membered N₂S₅-ligand as ionophore has been characterized and its logarithmic selectivity coefficients for Ag⁺ over most of the interfering cations have been determined as <−8.0. Under optimal conditions, a lower detection limit of 2.2 × 10⁻¹⁰ M can be obtained for the membrane Ag⁺-ISE.     

Cs+ -selective membrane electrodes based on ethylene glycol-functionalized polymeric microspheres

A new strategy for improving the robustness of membrane-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) is introduced based on the incorporation of microsphere-immobilized ionophores into plasticized polymer membranes. As a model system, a Cs⁺-selective electrode was developed by doping ethylene glycol-functionalized cross-linked polystyrene microspheres (P-EG) into a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix containing sodium tetrakis-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] borate (TFPB) as the ion exchanger. Electrodes were evaluated with respect to Cs⁺ in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and dynamic response. ISEs containing P-EG and TFPB that were plasticized with 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) yielded a linear range from 10⁻¹ to 10⁻⁵ M Cs⁺, a slope of 55.4 mV/decade, and a lower detection limit (log a_Cs) of −5.3. In addition, these membranes also demonstrated superior selectivity over Li⁺, Na⁺, and alkaline earth metal ion interferents when compared to analogous membranes plasticized with bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DOS) or membranes containing a lipophilic, mobile ethylene glycol derivative (ethylene glycol monooctadecyl ether (U-EG)) as ionophore.     

Cu22Bi12S21Cl16—A mixed conductor with fast one-dimensional copper(I) ion transport

Melting reactions of Cu, CuCl, S, and Bi₂S₃ yield black, shiny needles of Cu₂₂₍₁₎Bi₁₂S₂₁₍₁₎Cl₁₆₍₁₎. The compound decomposes peritectically at 649(5) K. Oxidation state +I of the copper atoms is supported by Cu-K-XANES. The compound crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6/m with a=2116.7(7) pm and c=395.17(5) pm. Seven anions coordinate each of the two independent bismuth cations in the shape of mono-capped trigonal prisms. These polyhedra share edges and faces to form trigonal and hexagonal tubes running along [0 0 1]. The hexagonal tubes are centered by chloride ions, which are surrounded by disordered copper cations. The majority of copper cations are distributed over numerous sites between the tubes. The Joint Probability Density Function (JPDF) reveals a continuous pathway along [0 0 1]. The high mobility of the copper cations along [0 0 1] was demonstrated by impedance spectroscopy and DC polarization measurements on single crystals. The ionic conductivity at 450 K is about σ_ion=0.06 S cm⁻¹, and the activation energy for Cu⁺ ion conduction is E_a=0.44 eV. The chemical diffusion coefficient of copper is in the order of D_cu^δ=10¹⁹ cm⁻³ at 420 K. The electronic band gap (p-type conductor) was determined as E_g=0.06 eV. At room temperature the thermal conductivity of a pressed pellet is about κ=0.3 W K⁻¹ m⁻¹ and the Seebeck coefficient is S=43 μV K⁻¹.     

A novel approach based on ferricyanide-mediator immobilized in an ion-exchangeable biosensing film for the determination of biochemical oxygen demand

A novel biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) sensing method employing a ferricyanide (FC) mediator immobilized in an ion-exchangeable polysiloxane was developed. The ion-exchangeable polysiloxane containing alkylammonium groups (PAPS-Cl) was synthesized by sol-gel reaction of 3-(aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMOS) catalyzed by hydrochloric acid. FC was combined in PAPS-Cl via ion-association and the product was labeled as PAPS-FC, which was employed for a modified glassy carbon electrode. The apparent diffusion coefficient (D_app) of FC on the modified glassy carbon electrode was 9.8 × 10⁻¹¹ cm² s⁻¹. In a three-electrode system, a linear relationship between the anodic current responses and glucose/glutamate (GGA) concentration was obtained up to 40 mg O₂ L⁻¹ (r = 0.994) when the reaction mixture was incubated for 30 min. Single sensor and piece-to-piece reproducibility were less than 3.8 and 7.7%, respectively. The effects of dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and co-existing substances on the BOD responses were studied. The sensor responses to nine pure organic substances were compared with the conventional BOD₅ method and other biosensor methods. Detection results of seawater samples were compared with those obtained from the BOD₅ method and showed a good correlation (r = 0.988).     

Elaboration and characterisation of PDMS-HTiNbO5 nanocomposite membranes

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-HTiNbO₅ nanocomposite membranes with various HTiNbO₅ nanofiller content were prepared by melt intercalation. WAXS diffraction measurements and TEM observations have suggested that the HTiNbO₅ mineral was exfoliated in the PDMS matrix. The influence of the filler in the membrane was evaluated by water diffusion, gas permeation (CO₂, N₂, O₂, ethane and ethylene), toluene pervaporation and by CO₂ sorption measurements.A filler content of only 2 wt.% in PDMS-HTiNbO₅ nanocomposite membranes slows down the water diffusion significantly, and a filler content of 5 wt.% reduces also the permeability of the films for toluene. The addition of a filler content up to 10 wt.% do not significantly influences the gas permeability (P) except for CO₂. The PDMS matrix appears to be highly permeable and, therefore, a decreasing effect on P is only marked for a very high HTiNbO₅ content. This effect is more pronounced for CO₂, the P value of which decreases by 80% when the amount of nanofiller is 40 wt.%. The sorption measurements show that the interaction between CO₂ and PDMS is weak (isotherms agree with Henry’s law). The filler decreases the solubility of CO₂ in the films (S = 7.94 × 10⁻³ and S = 5.44 × 10⁻³ cm³ STPcm⁻³ film cmHg⁻¹ for PDMS and PDMS-HTiNbO₅ 40 wt.%, respectively).     

Electrode kinetics of electroactive electropolymerized polymers deposited on graphite electrode surfaces

A kinetic examination of the charge-transport processes (i.e. (i) heterogeneous electron-transfer process of electrode/film interfaces and (ii) homogeneous charge-transport process within films) at electroactive electropolymerized film-coated electrodes was conducted by normal pulse voltammetry. The films employed were of poly(o-phenylenediamine), Poly(N-methylaniline) and poly(N-ethylaniline), which were prepared on electrodes as coating films by electrooxidative polymerization of the corresponding monomers in an acidic solution. It was found that process (i) obeys the conventional Butler-Volmer equation and that process (ii) can be treated as a Fickian diffusion process. In addition, the kinetic parameters characterizing processes (i) and (ii) (i.e. the standard rate constant (k°) and transfer coefficient (α) for process (i), and the apparent diffusion coefficient (D_app for process (ii)) were estimated: D_app = ca (1–4)×10⁻⁸ cm² s⁻¹ s⁻¹, k° = ca. (4–6)×10⁻⁴ cm s⁻¹, α_a (for anodic process) = 0.83–0.86 and α_c (for cathodic process)=0.13–0.23. The are compared with the data reported previously for other electroactive polymer films.     

Photoinduced interactions between colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles and calf thymus-DNA

The interaction of colloidal TiO₂ nanoparticles with calf thymus-DNA was studied by using absorption, FT-IR, steady state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. The apparent association constant has been deduced (K_app = 2.85 × 10³ M⁻¹) from the absorption spectral changes of the DNA-colloidal TiO₂ nanoparticles using the Benesi–Hildebrand equation. Addition of colloidal TiO₂ nanoparticles quenched the fluorescence of EtBr–DNA. The number of binding sites (n = 0.97) and the apparent binding constant (K = 6.68 × 10³ M⁻¹) were calculated from relevant fluorescence quenching data. The quenching, through a static mechanism, was confirmed by time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.     

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.     

Phosphate-selective fluorescent sensing microspheres based on uranyl salophene ionophores

Optical dihydrogen phosphate-selective sensors that function on the basis of bulk optode principles and are based on two different uranyl salophene ionophores are reported here for the first time. The influence of the optode composition and measuring conditions such as sample pH on the optode response are characterized, along with sensor selectivity and long-term stability. Three plasticizers of different polarity are considered for optode fabrication: bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate (DOS), dodecyl 2-nitrophenyl ether (o-NPDDE), o-nitrophenyloctylether (o-NPOE). The compounds 9-(diethylamino)-5-(octadecanoylimino)-5H-benzo[a]phenoxazine (ETH 5294, chromoionophore I) and 9-(diethylamino)-5-[(2-octyldecyl)imino]benzo[a]phenoxazine (ETH 5350, chromoionophore III) are used as H⁺-selective fluoroionophores that also act as reference ionophores. The resulting optode-based sensors are compared with their ion-selective electrode (ISE) counterparts, and it is revealed that optodes are better suited for operation at physiological pH. The best optode performance was found for the two component optode sensors doped with ETH 5350 and phosphate ionophore(I). The linear range of these sensor was log a = −6.0 to −2.6. Dihydrogen phosphate-selective optode sensors of optimized composition are fabricated in microsphere format and preliminary measurements in diluted sheep blood samples are presented.     

The absorption and thermal behaviors of PET-SiO2 nanocomposite films

In this paper, to improve properties of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in thermal stability and barrier to water, the films of PET, PET with micronmeter Silica/Polystyrene (SiO₂/PS) composites (SPET) and PET with nano-SiO₂/PS composites (SNPET) are prepared and their water absorption and thermal stable behaviors are investigated.In the samples, silica load is optimized as 2 wt%, at which silica not only disperses well but also forms the tough morphology in PET as investigated by SEM. The nanoeffect and thermal degradation behaviors of SNPET are firstly presented.The water absorption experiments for the samples show that the maximum absorption water weight percentage (C_∞) and the pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D) of water reduce with SiO₂ particle size varying from 440 nm to 40 nm, and the barrier property to water of SNPET is superior to those of pure PET and SPET. At the minimum silica size of 40 nm, the C_∞ and D of SNPET approach the minimum values that are 0.946% and 7.075 × 10⁻¹³ m² s⁻¹, respectively. Fixing SiO₂ size at 40 nm, with un-modified SiO₂ and modified SiO₂, the core-shell SiO₂/PS nanocomposite particles are more effective on keeping PET from absorbing water. With the increase in nano-SiO₂ load, the C_∞ and D of SNPET films reduce, proving that the nano-SiO₂ particles can inhibit water absorption. When amorphous SNPET films are annealed at 130 °C, their C_∞ and D quickly decrease with the increase in annealing time, stating that the crystallized SNPET also retards the water absorption or diffusion in PET. Under oversaturated oxygen atmosphere, the C_∞ and D of amorphous PET and SNPET, and crystallized SNPET samples are higher than those of corresponding samples without flowing oxygen, showing that oxygen promotes the films to absorb water.TGA results show that SNPET keeps similar thermal degradation behavior under the conditions of with and without both water and oxygen. But SNPET is more thermally stable than PET.     

Construction of novel simple phosphate screen-printed and carbon paste ion-selective electrodes

The construction and performance characteristics of different phosphate ion-selective electrodes are described. Three types of electrodes are demonstrated, namely screen-printed, carbon paste and the conventional PVC membrane electrodes. The cited electrodes are based on bisthiourea ionophores and show a considerable selectivity towards hydrogenphosphate with Nernstian slopes depending on the type of the electrode and the ionophore used. Matrix compositions of each electrode are optimised on the basis of effects of type and concentration of the ionophore as well as influence of the selected plasticizers. The screen-printed electrodes work satisfactorily in the concentration range 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻² mol L⁻¹ with anionic Nernstian compliance (32.8 mV/decade activity) and detection limit 4.0 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹. The screen-printed electrodes show fast response time of about 2.2 s and exhibit adequate shelf-life (4 months). The fabricated electrodes can be also successfully used in the potentiometric titration of HPO₄²⁻ with Ba²⁺.     

Layer-by-layer self-assembly of polyelectrolyte complexes and their multilayer films for pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol

Two negatively charged polyelectrolyte complex colloidal nanoparticles (PEC⁻) and one positively charged nanoparticle (PEC⁺) were prepared and used as novel layer-by-layer (LbL) building blocks. These PEC nanoparticles include poly(2-methacryloyloxy ethyl trimethylammonium chloride)/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (PDMC/CMCNa PEC⁻), poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)/CMCNa (PDDA/CMCNa PEC⁻) and PDDA/poly(sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) (PDDA/PSS PEC⁺). LbL multilayer films based on (PEC⁺/PEC⁻) were constructed on both quartz slides and modified polyamide (MPA) reverse osmosis support membranes. UV–vis spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were utilized to follow the thickness growth and morphology evolution of these multilayer films with increasing bi-layer numbers. LbL multilayer films deposited on MPA support membranes were subjected to pervaporation dehydration of 10 wt% water–isopropanol and effect of bi-layer numbers and feed temperature on pervaporation performance was studied. Generally, PEC⁺/PEC⁻ can be LbL self-assembled successfully on both substrates with a thickness growth rate ca. 200 nm/bi-layer. Moreover, PEC⁺/PEC⁻ multilayer films show high pervaporation performance with film thickness up to several micrometers. For example, performance of the multilayer films in dehydrating 10 wt% water–isopropanol at 50 °C is J = 1.18 kg/m² h, α = 1013 for (PEC⁺/PDMC-CMCNa PEC⁻)₂₄ and J = 1.36 kg/m² h, α = 938 for (PEC⁺/PDMC-CMCNa PEC⁻)₂₅, respectively.     

Fluoride-selective sensors based on polyurethane membranes doped with Zr(IV)-porphyrins

The feasibility of using Tecoflex polyurethane as a polymeric matrix for fluoride-selective membranes doped with Zr(IV)-octaethyl-(OEP) or Zr(IV)-tetraphenylporphyrins (TPP) is examined. Membranes containing cationic or anionic additives were prepared, with ionophore working according to neutral or charged carrier mechanism, respectively. Results are compared to those found previously using conventional poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as the membrane matrix. It was found that this polymer does not affect significantly the properties of these porphyrins, compared to poly(vinyl chloride) matrix. A dimer-monomer equilibrium determined recently to occur for Zr(IV)-porphyrins in PVC/o-NPOE membranes containing lipophilic anionic additives is also observed to occur (via UV-vis spectrophotometry) in the PU matrix. However, the equilibrium constants for dimer-monomer reactions appear to be lower in PU membranes compared to PVC films, as determined from the degree of super-Nernstian responses towards fluoride as well as the anion concentration ranges required to break the dimer as determined spectroscopically. Due to reduced dimerization of Zr(IV)[OEP]Cl₂ it was possible to obtain electrodes with PU/o-NPOE/KTFPB membranes exhibiting only slightly super-Nernstian (−64.6 mV/dec) response towards fluoride and response time (t₉₅ < 120 s) faster than observed for PVC-based membranes. Good working parameters were also obtained for this metalloporphyrin in PU membrane that forces neutral carrier mechanism (PU/DOS/TDMACl): F⁻ calibration slope −58.3 mV/dec and response time t₉₅ < 12 s. Tested membranes were subsequently applied for construction of miniaturized silicon-based sensors. Better fluoride selectivity was observed for sensors with Zr(IV)[OEP]Cl₂/PU/o-NPOE/KTFPB membranes (: ClO₄⁻ 0.7; Br⁻ −1.9; NO₃⁻ −1.9; Cl⁻ −3.1), compared to Zr(IV)[OEP]Cl₂/PU/DOS/TDMACl matrix (: ClO₄⁻ −0.8; Br⁻ −1.3; NO₃⁻ −1.5; Cl⁻ −2.1). However, latter composition was chosen to be better for flow measurement mode, as dimer formation can be totally prevented within this membrane. Sensors with Zr(IV)[OEP]Cl₂/PU/DOS/TDMACl maintained their characteristics at least for 2 months.     

Oxygen-permeable membranes based on partially B-site substituted BaFe1−yMyO3−δ (M=Cu or Ni)

We carried out the partial substitution of the B-site in BaFeO_3−δ perovskite with divalent cations to develop novel oxygen-permeable materials. We demonstrated that the partial substitution of Cu or Ni by more than 10% resulted in the stabilization of the cubic perovskite structure even at room temperature in a highly oxygen-permeable phase, as revealed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The Cu substitution was more effective for the stabilization, because the introduction of Cu in the lattice more effectively made the Goldschmidt tolerance factor (t) close to 1.0. Ni- and Cu-substituted BaFeO_3−δ membranes showed higher oxygen permeabilities than their parent BaFeO_3−δ membranes particularly at lower temperatures around 600-700 °C owing to the stabilization of the cubic phase. Among the fabricated membranes, a BaFe_0.85Cu_0.15O_3−δ membrane (1.0 mm thickness) showed the highest oxygen permeation flux (1.8 cm³ min⁻¹ cm⁻² at 930 °C) under an air/He gradient. The results indicated that Cu-substituted BaFeO_3-δ is promising as a material for Co-free membranes with high oxygen permeabilities.