Fast Potentiometric Analysis of Lead in Aqueous Medium under Competitive Conditions Using an Acridono-Crown Ether Neutral Ionophore

Abstract

Lead is a particularly toxic heavy metal that is present above acceptable levels in the water of many countries. This article describes a quick detection method of lead(II) ions using a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based ion-selective membrane electrode containing an acridono-crown ether ionophore by potentiometry. The electrochemical cell exhibits a Nernstian response for lead(II) ions between the concentration range of 10−4 to 10−2 M, and can be used in the pH range of 4–7. The applicability of this sensor was verified by measuring a multicomponent aqueous sample. Under the given conditions, this electrode is suitable for the selective quantitative analysis of lead(II) ions in the presence of many additional metal ions.

Keywords

• electrochemical sensor
• lead detection
• crown ether
• molecular recognition
• ion-selective membrane