A selective PVC membrane for di- or trinitrophenol based on N,N-dibenzyl-3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nitrophenols are environmental pollutants and potential explosives.
• Developing selective and sensitive detection methods for nitrophenols is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel optical sensor for the selective detection of nitrophenols.
• To investigate the sensing mechanism and performance of the developed sensor.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of N,N-dibenzyl-3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (NBTMB) fluorophore.
• Immobilization of NBTMB in a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane.
• Optical sensing via fluorescence quenching upon nitrophenol extraction.

Main Results:

• The NBTMB-based sensor demonstrated selective extraction and fluorescence quenching of nitrophenols.
• Reversible detection of 2,4-dinitrophenol was achieved in the range of 2.0 x 10(-7) to 6.0 x 10(-5) mol L(-1).
• Fast response time (< 1.5 min) and successful application in water sample analysis and indirect drug assay.

Conclusions:

• NBTMB immobilized in a PVC membrane is a promising platform for optical sensing of nitrophenols.
• The sensor offers high sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response.
• The developed method provides a reliable approach for environmental monitoring and indirect analysis.