Potentiometric Surfactant Sensor Based on 1,3-Dihexadecyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-3-ium for Anionic Surfactants in Detergents and Household Care Products

A 1,3-dihexadecyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-3-ium-tetraphenylborate (DHBI-TPB) ion-pair implemented in DHBI-TPB surfactant sensor was used for the potentiometric quantification of anionic surfactants in detergents and commercial household care products. The DHBI-TPB ion-pair was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and computational analysis which revealed a crucial contribution of the C–H∙∙∙π contacts for the optimal complex formation. The DHBI-TPB sensor potentiometric response showed excellent analytical properties and Nernstian slope for SDS (60.1 mV/decade) with LOD 3.2 × 10⁻⁷ M; and DBS (58.4 mV/decade) with LOD 6.1 × 10⁻⁷ M was obtained. The sensor possesses exceptional resistance to different organic and inorganic interferences in broad pH (2–10) range. DMIC used as a titrant demonstrated superior analytical performances for potentiometric titrations of SDS, compared to other tested cationic surfactants (DMIC > CTAB > CPC > Hyamine 1622). The combination of DHBI-TPB sensor and DMIC was successfully employed to perform titrations of the highly soluble alkane sulfonate homologues. Nonionic surfactants (increased concentration and number of EO groups) had a negative impact on anionic surfactant titration curves and a signal change. The DHBI-TPB sensor was effectively employed for the determination of technical grade anionic surfactants presenting the recoveries from 99.5 to 101.3%. The sensor was applied on twelve powered samples as well as liquid-gel and handwashing home care detergents containing anionic surfactants. The obtained results showed good agreement compared to the outcomes measured by ISE surfactant sensor and a two-phase titration method. The developed DHBI-TPB surfactant sensor could be used for quality control in industry and has great potential in environmental monitoring.     

New Ion‐Pair Based All‐Solid‐State Surfactant Sensitive Sensor for Potentiometric Determination of Cationic Surfactants

Cationic surfactants of different types were determined using a few potentiometric sensors based on ion‐pair complexes (dodecyldimethylbenzylammonium dodecylsulfate, dodecylmethylbenzylammonium dodecylbenzensulfonate, tetrahexadecylammonium dodecylsulfate and Hyamine (benzethonium dodecylsulfate)) as sensing materials. The response of the all‐solid state surfactant sensitive electrode based on a Teflonized graphite conducting substrate, coated with a PVC membrane containing sensing material, was investigated in the solutions of Hyamine and hexadecyltrimethylammonium ion in the concentration range from 1 μM to 10 mM. Potentiometric surfactant cation titration has been performed using sodium dodecylsulfate as titrant and an ion‐pair‐based surfactant sensitive electrode as a potentiometric indicator. Several commercial surfactant products have also been titrated and the results were compared with those obtained with two‐phase standard titration method.