Opto-electrochemical planar wave-guide sensor for copper (II) ion

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Copper (II) ion detection is crucial in environmental monitoring and biological systems.
• Existing methods for copper ion sensing can be complex or time-consuming.
• Development of rapid, sensitive, and reusable sensors is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel opto-electrochemical sensor for the detection of copper (II) ions.
• To investigate the effect of applied electric potential on sensor performance and regeneration.
• To establish the sensing range and response time of the developed sensor.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an opto-electrochemical sensor using an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) glass support coated with a copper (II)-sensitive polyurethane membrane.
• Immobilization of Zincon colorimetric reagent within the membrane as an ion pair.
• Integration of a potentiostat to control the electric potential at the ITO surface.
• Optical monitoring of color change (red to blue) upon copper (II) ion interaction.
• Electrochemical regeneration of the sensing membrane.

Main Results:

• The sensor exhibited a color change from red to blue in the presence of copper (II) ions.
• Applied positive potential to the ITO surface facilitated rapid regeneration of the sensing layer within 2 minutes.
• The sensor successfully measured copper (II) ions in a concentration range of 1-200 microM.
• The opto-electrochemical approach allowed for controlled ion transport and sensor reusability.

Conclusions:

• A highly effective opto-electrochemical sensor for copper (II) ion detection has been successfully developed.
• The integrated potentiostat enables efficient and rapid sensor regeneration, enhancing its practical applicability.
• This sensor offers a promising alternative for sensitive and repeatable monitoring of copper (II) ions in various samples.