A potentiometric sensor of silver ions based on the Schiff base of diphenol

A potentiometric sensor based on the Schiff base 2,2′-(1E,1′E)-(1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diylbis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)diphenol was synthesized and tested as an ionophore PVC-based membrane sensor selective towards silver ions (Ag⁺). Potentiometric testing demonstrated the high affinity of this receptor to silver ions. Seven membranes were fabricated with different compositions, with best performance shown by that with an ionophore composition (w/w) of 1.0?mg, PVC 33.0?mg, 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether 66?mg, and potassium tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl)borate 50?mol% in 1.0?mL tetrahydrofuran. The sensor worked well over a wide range of concentrations (1.0?×?10^?2 to 1.0?×?10^?6?M Ag⁺) at pH?6, showing a slope of 60.99?mV/dec with rapid response times of less than 3?s. The sensor also showed good selectivity towards Ag⁺ in the presence of interfering cations, with the highest selectivity coefficient observed for Hg²⁺ (2.7). A low detection limit of 3.4?×?10^?7?M Ag⁺ was established.