A New Way to Use Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents: Improved Lead Detection Using an Ion-Selective Electrode with a...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Polymeric membrane ion-selective electrodes are crucial for potentiometric sensing.
• Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) offer tunable properties for membrane applications.
• Lead ion detection remains a significant challenge in environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incorporation of terpene-based HDESs into polymeric membranes for lead ion-selective electrodes.
• To optimize HDES concentration for enhanced sensor performance.
• To evaluate the analytical parameters and real-world applicability of the developed sensor.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of polymeric membranes with varying HDES concentrations (1-12% wt./wt.).
• Potentiometric measurements to assess detection limits, characteristic slopes, and linear response ranges.
• Detailed characterization of the optimized sensor, including selectivity, stability, pH range, and environmental factors.
• Application in determining lead in real water samples after XAD-7 resin pretreatment.

Main Results:

• The optimal HDES concentration in the membrane was determined to be 5% wt./wt.
• The developed sensor exhibited good analytical parameters, including excellent selectivity (log K ≤ -4.4).
• The sensor demonstrated stability, reversibility, and effectiveness across an optimal pH range.
• Successful determination of lead in environmental water samples was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Terpene-based HDESs are effective components for developing high-performance lead ion-selective electrodes.
• The optimized sensor offers a promising tool for sensitive and selective lead detection in environmental monitoring.
• The study highlights the potential of HDESs in advancing potentiometric sensor technology.