Azo calix[4]arene based neodymium(III)-selective PVC membrane sensor.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Accurate determination of neodymium (Nd3+) is crucial for environmental monitoring.
• Development of selective and sensitive ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) is an active research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a PVC membrane-based ion-selective electrode for neodymium (Nd3+) ion detection.
• To evaluate the electrode's performance characteristics, including response, linearity, detection limit, response time, lifetime, and selectivity.
• To assess the electrode's applicability in real-world environmental samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a PVC membrane incorporating azo calix[4]arene as an ionophore.
• Electrochemical characterization of the electrode using potentiometry.
• Testing the electrode's response to Nd3+ ions across a wide concentration range.
• Evaluation of selectivity against common interfering ions and other lanthanides.
• Application of the electrode for Nd3+ determination in industrial wastewater and lake water samples.

Main Results:

• The developed electrode exhibited a Nernstian response for Nd3+ ions with a slope of 19.8±0.2 mV decade(-1).
• A wide linear range (4.0×10(-8) to 1.0×10(-1) mol L(-1)) and a low detection limit (1.0×10(-8) mol L(-1)) were achieved.
• The electrode demonstrated a fast response time (<10 s), a long lifetime (≥4 months), and high selectivity for Nd3+ over various metal ions.
• Effective determination of Nd3+ in industrial wastewater and lake water samples was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The PVC membrane electrode with azo calix[4]arene is a highly suitable and selective sensor for neodymium ion determination.
• The electrode's performance characteristics make it a promising tool for environmental analysis of Nd3+ in complex matrices.