Determination of lead(II) in aqueous solution using carbon nanotubes paste electrodes modified with Amberlite IR-120

A new composite electrode is described for anodic stripping voltammetry determination of Pb(II) at trace level in aqueous solution. The electrode is based on the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and Amberlite IR-120. The anodic stripping voltammograms depend, to a large extent, on the composition of the modified electrode and the preconcentration conditions. Under optimum conditions, the anodic peak current at around ?0.57 V is linearly related to the concentration of Pb(II) in the range from 9.6?×?10^?8 to 1.7?×?10^?6 mol L^?1 (R?=?0.998). The detection limit is 2.1?×?10^?8 mol L^?1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) at 0.24?×?10^?6 mol L^?1 is 1.7% (n?=?6). The modified electrode was applied to the determination of Pb(II) using the standard addition method; the results showed average relative recoveries of 95% for the samples analysed.

Determination of copper(II) based on its inhibitory effect on the cathodic electrochemiluminescence of lucigenin

A simple method is described for the determination of copper(II) ions based on the cathodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of lucigenin which is quenched by Cu(II). The blue ECL is best induced at ?0.45 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) at a scan rate of 50 mV·s^?1. Under optimum conditions, the calibration plot is linear in the 3.0 to 1000 nM Cu(II) concentration range. The limit of detection is 2.1 nM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Compared to other analytical methods, the one presented here is simple, fast, selective and cost-effective. It has been successfully applied in the analysis of copper ions in spiked tap water samples with recoveries ranging from 93.0% (at 50 nM concentration) to 105.7% (at 150 nM).

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Graphical abstract The inhibitory effect of Cu(II) on the cathodic electrochemiluminescence of lucigenin enables determination of Cu(II) with a 2.1 nM detection limit.

     

A glassy carbon electrode modified with a bismuth film and laser etched graphene for simultaneous voltammetric sensing of Cd(II) and Pb(II)

Polyimide (PI) sheets were laser etched to obtain graphene-based carbon nanomaterials (LEGCNs). These were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy which confirmed the presence of stacked multilayer graphene nanosheets. Their large specific surface and large number of edge-plane active sites facilitate the accumulation of metal ions. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with an in-situ plated bismuth film was modified with the LEGCNs to give a sensor with satisfactory response for the simultaneous determination of cadmium(II) and lead(II) by means of square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. It appears that is the first report on an electrochemical sensor based on the use of laser etched graphene for determination of heavy metal ions. Figures of merit for detection of Cd(II) include (a) a low and well separated working potential of ?0.80 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), (b) a wide linear range (from 7 to 120 μg·L^?1), and a low detection limits 0.47 μg·L^?1. The respective data for Pb(II) are (a) -0.55 V, (b) 5 to 120 μg·L^?1, and (c) 0.41 μg·L^?1. The modified GCE displays remarkable repeatability, reproducibility, selectivity and stability. The sensor was applied to the simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in spiked real water samples. The results confirm that the laser etching technique is an efficient tool for the preparation of carbon nanomaterials with high quality and great sensing performance.

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Graphical abstract Bismuth film and laser etched graphene-modified glassy carbon electrode (BF-LEGCN/GCE) for the simultaneous determination of cadmium(II) and lead(II) by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry.

     

Spectrophotometric determination of mercury(II) ions based on their stimulation effect on the peroxidase-like activity of molybdenum disulfide nanosheets

The authors describe a colorimetric method for the determination of Hg(II) ions by exploiting the peroxidase-lile activity of few-layered MoS₂ nanosheets (MoS2-NSs). These were prepared by sonication-induced exfoliation of bulk MoS₂ crystals in aqueous surfactant solution. The MoS2-NSs were found to acts as a peroxidase mimic that is capable of oxidizing the substrate 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to give a blue product with an absorption maximum at 652 nm. The addition of Hg(II) strongly accelerates the kinetics of this reaction. It is shown that the enzyme mimic possesses a high affinity for TMB and a lower pseudo-Michaelis-Menten constant. The stimulating effect of Hg(II) is seriously influenced by the change of surface charge. The use of nanosheets covered with (negatively charged) polystyrene sulfonate results in a decrease in the formation of blue dye, while those covered with (cationic) poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium) ions cause a small increase. Under optimal conditions, the peroxidase-like activity of MoS2-NSs is affected by Hg(II) in the 2.0 to 200 μM concentration range. The method has a detection limit (LOD) of 0.5 μM which is much below the allowed level in cosmetics (1 ppm; ca. 5 μM). The method display excellent sensitivity, selectivity and stability. It was applied to the determination of total mercury in cosmetic samples, and results compared well with results obtained by ICP-AES.

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Graphical abstract A spectrophotometric assay for mercury?-?(II) determination is reported that is based on Hg²⁺-stimulation effect on the 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)-H₂O₂ reaction system catalyzed by MoS₂ nanosheets.

     

Determination of L-cysteine base on the reversion of fluorescence quenching of calcein by copper(II) ion

We report on a simple and sensitive method for the determination of L-cysteine (Cys). It is based on a redox reaction between the non-fluorescent Cu(II)-calcein complex and Cys which results in fluorescence recovery of calcein. When Cys is added to a solution of the Cu(II)-calcein complex, Cu(II) is reduced to Cu(I), and calcein is released to form a strongly fluorescent complex with Zn(II). The effect was used to develop a fluorescence enhancement method for the determination of Cys. Under the optimum conditions, the increase in signal intensity is linear in the range from 3.0?×?10^?7 to 1.2?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9978. The limit of detection (3σ) is 4.0?×?10^?8?mol?L^?1. The relative standard deviation (RSD) in the determination of 11 samples containing 5.0?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1 of Cys was 3.5%. There is little interference by common ions and other amino acids. The method, which is simple, rapid, and sensitive, was successfully applied to the determination of Cys in human serum samples.

Spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of iron(III) by extraction of mixed-ligand iron-tartrate-purpurin or iron-NTA-purpurin complex

Summary Spectropbotometric Determination of Trace Amounts of Iron(III) by Extraction of Mixed-Ligand Iron-Tartrate-Purpurin or Iron-NTA-Purpurin Complex A selective method is described for the determination of microgram amounts of iron(III) by means of its reaction at pH 9.0 with purpurin (1,2,4-trihydroxyanthraquinone) and tartrate or NTA and extraction into methyl isobutyl ketone. The molar absorptivity of the 112 iron(III)-auxiliary ligand-purpurin complex is 4.8×10⁴ 1·mole^–1·cm^–1 at 595 nm. Beer's law is obeyed from 0.05 to 0.25 ppm of iron in the aqueous phase. Procedures for determination of iron in tartrate or NTA medium, and fluoride-tartrate-NTA medium are given. The method is suitable for determining iron in Zn metal, W metal, NTA, drinking water, wines, urine and tartrates.     

Sensitive and selective spectrophotometric determination of palladium(II) ion following its preconcentration using modified magnetite nanoparticles and 3-phasic backextraction

We report on a method for selective extraction and backextraction for the ultra-sensitive determination of Pd(II). Magnetite nanoparticles modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate were used to extract Pd(II) as its green 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphtholate complex prior to zero- and first-derivative spectrophotometric determination at 659 and 681?nm, respectively. A sample volume of 70?mL was backextracted with 0.50?mL of n-butanol in a 3-phasic system. The effects of reaction time and the other variables were optimized. The enrichment factor is 134 and the calibration plots are linear in the range from 2 to 90?ng?mL^-1 of Pd(II). The detection limit is 0.3?ng?mL^-1 and the relative standard deviations and recoveries at levels of 10 and 72?ng?mL^-1 of Pd(II) are in the range from 1.1?C4.9%, and from 98.5?C102.6%, respectively. Most ions do not significantly interfere. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Pd(II) in water and urine samples, alloys, and palladium catalysts.

Electrophoretic and spectrophotometric determination of triiodides of sulfur-containing organic cations

Trimethylsulfonium triiodide (I) and p-xylylene-bis-(tetrahydrothiophenium) triiodide (II) were identified and determined by capillary electrophoresis with the resolution R _s = 4.86 using an unmodified quartz capillary. The procedure ensures the determination of sulfur-containing organic compounds in a concentration range of 1.0 × 10^?5–5.0 × 10^?4 M RSD ≤ 5%). The high stability of trimethylsulfonium triiodide and p-xylylene-bis-(tetrahydrothiophenium) triiodide in chloroform and acetonitrile solutions was found by spectrophotometry. A procedure was proposed for the spectrophotometric determination of compounds I and II as ion associates of sulfur-containing cations with a sulfophthalein dye, Bromocresol Purple (c _min (I) = 1.32 × 10^?5 M, c _min (II) = 7.1 × 10^?6 M, RSD = 5%), and by the characteristic absorption of the triiodide anion in acetonitrile (c _min (I) = 3.18 × 10^?6 M, c _min (II) = 2.76 × 10^?6 M, RSD <-3%).     

Highly sensitive spectrophotometric determination of micro amounts of iron with chromai blue G and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride

Summary A ternary complex between iron(III), Chromal Blue G (C. I. 43835) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride is proposed for the determination of iron (III). The stoichiometric ratio of iron (III) to Chromai Blue G is 13. Beer's law is obeyed from 0.04 to 0.4 ppm of iron; the molar absorptivity is 1.43×10⁵ l·mole^–1·cm^–1. The proposed method has been applied to the determination of iron in a magnesium alloy.

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Hochempfindliche spektrophotometrische Bestimmung von Mikromengen Eisen mit Chromctlblau G und Cetyltrimethylammoniumcblorid

Zusammenfassung Zur Bestimmung von Eisen(III) wird ein ternärer Komplex aus Eisen(III), Chromai Blue G (Farbindex 43835) und Cetyltrimethylammoniumchlorid vorgeschlagen. Das stöchiometrische Verhältnis Eisen(III): Chromal Blue G ist 13. Das Beersche Gesetz gilt von 0,04 bis 0,4 ppm Fe; der Extinktionskoeffizient ist 1,43×10⁵ l·mole^–1·cm^–1. Die vorgeschlagene Methode dient für die Bestimmung von Eisen in Magnesiumlegierungen.

     

Polarography of hexavalent molybdenum in hypophosphorous acid solutions

The polarographic behaviour and determination of Mo(VI) in hypophosphorous acid solutions of concentrations varying from 0.1 to 5.0 mol l^?1 andT=25±0.1 °C have been investigated. It was shown that reduction of MoO ₄ ^2? takes place along a single or two waves depending upon the acid concentration. Microcoulometric experiments have been performed at the limiting region of the different waves obtained at different acid concentrations. A scheme for the mechanism of reduction occuring at theDME has been deduced. A method for analytical determination of Mo(VI) on both the micro- and macro-scales in hypophosphorous acid solutions has been reported. Analysis of a binary mixture Mo(VI)/Cd(II) and a tertiary mixture Mo(VI)/Cd(II)/Zn(II) in mol l^?1 hypophosphorous acid has been investigated.     

Complexing properties of thiazolylazophenols and spectrophotometric determination of iron(II) with 2-(2-benzothiazolylazo)-4-methoxyphenol

Summary Thiazolylazophenols containing a methyl or a phenyl group in the thiazole ring were synthesized and their potential for the spectrophotometric determination of iron were studied. These dyes react with iron(II) to form brownish complexes, which show a characteristic absorption in near-infrared region. Among them, 2-(2-benzothiazolylazo)-4-methoxyphenol is most suitable and the iron(II) complex has the absorption maximum at 815 nm in chloroform. The optimum pH for iron extraction lies between 5.5–9.5 and Beer's law holds up to 6 ppm of iron, with a molar absorptivity of 1.47×10⁴ 1 mol^–1 cm^–1. The composition and the extraction constant of the complex was found to be FeBTAMP=12 and log K_ex=–0.76±0.12, respectively. Many kinds of ions can be tolerated even in the presence of large amounts. The method has been applied to the determination of iron in mixtures containing 3d type metal ions, natural waters and native sulfurs with satisfactory results.

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Komplexbildende Eigenschaften von Thiazolylazophenol und spektro-photometrische Bestimmung von Eisen(II) mit 2-(2-Benzothiazolylazo)-4-methoxyphenol

Zusammenfassung Thiazolylazophenol mit einer Methyl- bzw. Phenylgruppe am Thiazolring wurde synthetisiert und seine Eignung für die spektrophotometrische Bestimmung von Eisen(II) studiert. Diese Farbstoffe bilden mit Fe(II) bräunliche Komplexe, die charakteristische Absorption im nahen IR zeigen. Unter ihnen ist 2-(2-Benzothiazolylazo)-4-methoxyphenol am besten geeignet. Der Fe(II)-Komplex hat ein Absorptionsmaximum bei 815 nm in Chloroform. Das optimale pH für die Eisenextraktion liegt zwischen 5,5 und 9,5; das Beersche Gesetz ist bis zu 6 ppm Fe erfüllt, der molare Extinktionskoeffizient beträgt 1,47×10⁴ l·mol^–1·cm^–1. Fe(II)BTMP=12. Die Extraktionskonstante ist log K_ex=–0,76±0,12. Zahlreiche Ionen stören auch in größerer Menge nicht. Die Methode wurde zur Eisenbestimmung in Gemischen mit 3d-Typ-Metallen, in natürlichen Wässern und in inländischem Schwefel angewandt.

     

A screen-printed carbon electrode modified with a bismuth film and gold nanoparticles for simultaneous stripping voltammetric determination of Zn(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II)

The authors report on a disposable sensor for the differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric (DPASV) determination of the ions Zn(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II). Simultaneous detection is accomplished by using a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) co-modified with an in-situ plated bismuth (Bi)) film and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The synergistic effect of the Bi film, and the large surface and good electrical conductivity of the AuNPs strongly assist in the co-deposition of the three ions. Four well-defined and fully separated anodic stripping peaks, at 540 mV for Zn(II), 50 mV for Pb(II), 140 mV for Bi(III) and 295 mV for Cu(II), all vs. Ag/AgCl, can be seen. The modified SPCE was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Under the optimized conditions, the sensor has a good response to these ions. The detection limits (at an S/N ratio of 3) are 50 ng·L^?1 for Zn(II), 20 ng·L^?1 for Pb(II), and 30 ng·L^?1 for Cu(II). The method was applied to the determination of the 3 ions in spiked lake water samples.

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Graphical abstract Schematic of screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) co-modified with a bismuth film and gold nanoparticles for electrochemical simultaneous determination of Zn(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric (DPASV).

     

‘Green’ immunochromatographic electrochemical biosensor for mercury(II)

We describe an immunochromatographic electrochemical biosensor (IEB) for highly specific and sensitive determination of Hg(II) ions. The IEB is based on the use of a new monoclonal antibody (McAb) against Hg(II) ions that affects the recognition of an antigen. The McAb is placed on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and can recognize the antigen only in the absence of Hg(II) ions. This detection scheme was used to design an immunochromatographic test strip using dually labeled AuNPs along with electrochemical detection. Signal amplification was accomplished by a competitive reaction and the use of horseradish peroxidase. Following immunochromatography, the test zone was cut out and transferred into a reaction cell loaded with a substrate solution containing ortho-phenylenediamine and H₂O₂. After 10-min incubation with horseradish peroxidase, square wave voltammetry was performed with a screen-printed electrode. Under optimal conditions and a working voltage of ?0.57 V, the IEB displays a linear response in the 0.1 to 200 ng.mL^?1 Hg(II) concentration range and a 30 pg.mL^?1 limit of detection. It was applied to the determination of Hg(II) in (spiked) waters and milk where its sensitivity by far surpassed the maximum allowed contamination levels. This sensitive IEB therefore possesses substantial advantages over other assays. In addition, the detection scheme may be extended to other metal ions for which appropriate antibodies are available.

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Graphical abstract We developed an immunochromatographic electrochemical biosensor (IEB) for highly specific and sensitive determination of Hg(II) ions in water and milk by using a new anti-Hg²⁺ monoclonal antibody (McAb). The linear range and limit of detection is 0.1–200 ng·mL^?1 and 30 pg.mL^?1, respectively.

     

Voltammetric cadmium(II) sensor based on a fluorine doped tin oxide electrode modified with polyamide 6/chitosan electrospun nanofibers and gold nanoparticles

The authors have developed an electrochemical sensor for cadmium(II) that is based on the use of a conventional fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode modified with polymeric electrospun nanofibers consisting of polyamide 6 (PA6) and chitosan which were further modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The materials were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis (DSC and TGA), and scanning electron microscopy. The modified electrode was applied to the detection of Cd(II) by square wave voltammetry. Response is linear in the 25 to 75 μg ? L^?1 Cd(II) concentration range, with a detection limit of 0.88 μg ? L^?1. The relative standard deviations are 4.6% and 8.2% for intra- and inter-electrode measurements, respectively. Mercury(II), lead(II), and copper(II) did not significantly interfere.

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Graphical abstract The sensing platform developed can detect cadmium(II) with a detection limit of 0.88 μg L^?1, with no significant interference by mercury(II) and lead(II).

     

Determination of cadmium(II) using carbon paste electrode modified with a Cd-ion imprinted polymer

We have synthesized cadmium(II) ion-imprinted polymers (IIP) and non-imprinted polymers (NIP) using 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol as a ligand. The materials were used to prepare a carbon paste electrode for the determination of Cd(II). Polymerization was performed with (a) methacrylic acid as a functional monomer, (b) ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate as the crosslinking monomer, and (c) 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) as the initiator. Imprinted cadmium ion was removed from the polymeric matrix using nitric acid. The measurements were carried out in an closed circuit after accumulation at ?1.2?V, this followed by electrolysis of the accumulated Cd(II) by voltammetric scanning from ?1.0 to ?0.6?V. The parameters governing the response of the electrode were studied. Under optimized conditions, the response of the electrode is linear in the range from 2.0 to 200?ng?mL^?1. The detection limit is 0.31?ng?mL^?1. The relative standard deviations are ±3.4 and ±2.1?% for 7 successive determinations of 20.0 and 50.0?ng?mL-1 of Cd(II), respectively. The method was applied to the determination of cadmium (II) in water and food samples.

Indirect spectrophotometric determination of chromium in aqueous samples with a novel chromogen ferene-TM

Summary An analytical procedure for the indirect determination of chromium at theg level in aqueous samples has been developed. It involves the use of a novel chromogen 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6 bis(5-(2 furyl disulfonic acid))-1,2,4-triazine disodium salt (Ferene-TM), which forms an intensely blue tris chelate with iron(II) that absorbs at 593 nm with a molar absorptivity of 35,500 1 cm^–1 mol^–1. In an acidic system (pH1.0) chromium(VI) is reduced to chromium(III) in the presence of an excess of iron(II), which in turn decreases the absorption of the tris iron(II)-ferene-TM complex. The differential absorption data show a linear relationship for chromium(VI) in 0.01–1.0 ppm range. Many common cations and anions in micro concentration range do not influence the analytical response.

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Indirekte spektrophotometrische Bestimmung von Chrom in wärigen Lösungen mit dem neuen Farbreagens Ferene-TM

Zusammenfassung Ein Verfahren zur indirekten Bestimmung vong-Mengen Chrom in wäßrigen Proben wurde ausgearbeitet. Es beruht auf der Verwendung eines neuen Farbreagens 3-(2-Pyridyl)-5,6-bis(5-(2-furyldisulfonsäure))-1,2,4-triazin-dinatrium (Ferene-TM). Dieses bildet mit Fe(II) ein intensiv blau gefärbtes Tris-Chelat, das bei 493 nm eine molare Absorptivität von 35500 l· cm^–1·mol^–1 zeigt. Chrom(VI) wird bei pH 1,0 zu Cr(III) in Gegenwart eines Überschusses an Fe(II) reduziert, so daß die Absorption des erwähnten Tris-Chelates herabgesetzt wird. Die Absorptionswerte zeigen für 0,01 bis 1,0 ppm Cr(VI) ein lineares Verhältnis. Viele übliche Kationen und Anionen beeinflussen in Mikromengen das analytische Ergebnis nicht.

     

Spectrophotometric determination of iron after separation of its 9,10-phenanthrenequinone monoximate on microcrystalline naphthalene

A sensitive and selective spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of iron as Fe(II) or Fe(III) using 9,10-phenanthrenequinone monoxime (PQM) as the complexing agent. Fe(II) and Fe(III) react with PQM to form coloured water insoluble complexes which can be adsorbed on microcrystalline naphthalene in the pH ranges 3.7–6.2 and 2.0–8.4, respectively. The solid mass consisting of the metal complex and naphthalene is dissolved in DMF and the metal determined spectrophotometrically by measuring the absorbances Fe(II) at 745 nm and Fe(III) at 425 nm. Beer's law is obeyed over the concentration range 0.5–20.0 g of iron(II) and 20–170.0 g of Fe(III) in 10 ml of DMF solution. The molar absorptivities are 1.333 × 10⁴ 1 · mole^–1 · cm^–1 for Fe(II) and 2.428 × 10³1· mole^–1 · cm^–1 for Fe(III). The precision of determination is better than 1%. The interference of various ions has been studied and the method has been employed for the determination of iron in various standard reference alloys, bears, wines, ferrous gluconate, human hair and environmental samples.     

Electromembrane extraction and anodic stripping voltammetric determination of mercury(II) using a glassy carbon electrode modified with gold nanoparticles

This study presents a method for the selective determination of Hg(II) using electromembrane extraction (EME), followed by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV), using a gold nanoparticle-modified glassy carbon electrode, (AuNP/GCE). By applying an electrical potential of typically 60 V for 12 min through a thin supported liquid membrane (1-octanol), Hg(II) ions are extracted from a donor phase (i.e., the sample solution) to an acidic acceptor solution (15 μL) placed in the lumen of a hollow fiber. The influences of experimental parameters during EME were optimized using face-centered central composite design. The calibration plot, established at a working voltage of 0.55 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), extends from 0.2 to 10 μg^.L^?1 of Hg(II). The limit of detection, at a signal to noise ratio of 3, is 0.01 μg^.L^?1 and the relative standard deviations (for 5 replicate determinations at 3 concentration levels) are between 7.5 and 8.7 %. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Hg(II) in spiked real water samples to give recoveries ranging from 89 to 97 %. The results were validated by cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy.

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Graphical abstract Hg(II) ions were extracted from a donor phase into an acidic acceptor phase (15 μL) placed in the lumen of a hollow fiber using electromembrane extraction. The acceptor phase was then analyzed using anodic stripping voltammetry.

     

Square wave anodic stripping voltammetric determination of lead(II) using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a lead ionophore and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We report on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a lead ionophore and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. It can be applied to square wave anodic stripping voltammetric determination of Pb(II) ion after preconcentration of Pb(II) at ?1.0?V (vs. SCE) for 300?s in pH?4.5 acetate buffer containing 400?μg?L^?1 of Bi(III). The ionophore-MWCNTs film on the GCE possesses strong and highly selective affinity for Pb(II) as confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance experiments. Under the optimum conditions, a linear response was observed for Pb(II) ion in the range from 0.3 to 50?μg?L^?1. The limit of detection (at S/N?=?3) is 0.1?μg?L^?1. The method was applied to the determination of Pb(II) in water samples with acceptable recovery.

Highly sensitive fluorescent sensor for copper (II) based on amplified fluorescence quenching of a water-soluble NIR emitting conjugated polymer

We have synthesized the near-infrared water-soluble conjugated polymer poly[2,5-di(propyloxysulfonate)-1,4-phenylene-ethynylene-9,10-anthrylene (referred to as PPEASO3). Its fluorescence (at wavelengths between 650 and 800?nm following photoexcitation at 550?nm) is efficiently quenched by Cu(II) ions, while other physiologically relevant metal ions do not cause significant quenching at the same concentrations. Under optimum conditions, fluorescence intensity is inversely proportional to the concentration of Cu (II). The calibration curve displays two linear regions over the range of 0–3.2?×?10^?7 mol L^?1 and 3.2?×?10^?7 mol L^?1 to 1.0?×?10^?4 mol L^?1 of Cu(II), respectively. The long-wavelength excitation and emission can substantially reduce interferences by the autofluorescence and light scattering of biological matter under UV excitation. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Cu(II) in synthetic and tea samples.