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Updated: May 13, 2026
Engineering Molecular Recognition with Bio-mimetic Polymers on Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Published on: January 10, 2017
A potassium sensor based on non-covalent functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Enrique J Parra1, F Xavier Rius, Pascal Blondeau
1Department of Analytical and Organic Chemistry, University Rovira i, Virgili, Campus Sescelades, Marcel·lí Domingo s/n, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
Abstract:
Non-covalent functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by a pyrene based benzo-18-crown-6 ether 1 leads to nanostructure assemblies that play both the role of an ion-to-electron transducer and a selective recognition element in solid-contact ion-selective-electrodes (SC-ISEs). The high loading capacity (36 wt%) as well as the suitable dispersion character of the MWCNT hybrid in the ion-selective membrane (ISM) confirmed the benefit of this approach over the covalent one. The sensor has been applied successfully to the detection of potassium. Nernstian response (56.9 ± 0.9 mV per decade) was obtained (10(-5) and 10(-2) M K(+)) and the selectivity pattern was not altered by the immobilization of the ionophore on the MWCNTs. Leakage of the ionophore from the polymeric matrix is therefore avoided while the sensor construction was simplified and the analytical performances were maintained.
