Lead-selective membrane potentiometric sensor based on an 18-membered thiacrown derivative

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Accurate lead ion detection is crucial for environmental monitoring and public health.
• Development of selective and sensitive ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) is an ongoing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize a novel PVC-based membrane electrode for lead ion detection.
• To investigate the performance of the electrode concerning membrane composition, pH, and interfering ions.
• To evaluate the electrode's applicability in real-world sample analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a PVC membrane incorporating hexathia-18-crown-6-tetraone as a carrier.
• Electrochemical characterization of the electrode's response to lead ions.
• Optimization of electrode parameters by varying membrane composition and test solution pH.
• Assessment of selectivity against common foreign ions.
• Application in potentiometric titration and direct determination of lead in water samples.

Main Results:

• The prepared electrode exhibited a Nernstian response for lead ions over a concentration range of 1.0 x 10(-6) to 8.0 x 10(-3) M.
• The electrode demonstrated high selectivity and precision.
• Optimal performance was observed within a pH range of 3.0-6.0.
• Successful application as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titrations and direct lead determination in water samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed PVC-based membrane electrode with hexathia-18-crown-6-tetraone is a reliable sensor for lead ion determination.
• The electrode offers excellent selectivity, precision, and a broad working pH range.
• This sensor shows significant potential for practical applications in environmental water quality monitoring.