SalphenH2 as a neutral carrier for the uranyl ion-selective PVC membrane sensor

Abstract

The complexation of N,N′-4,5-(ethylenedioxy) benzenebis(salicylideneimine), (salphenH2) with uranyl ion was studied in acetonitrile solution spectrophtometrically, and the formation constant of the resulting 1:1 complex was evaluated. The salphenH2 ligand was used as an ionophore in plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix membrane sensor for uranyl ion. The prepared sensors exhibited a near Nernstian response, 28.0-30.9 mV/decade for uranyl ion over the concentration range 1.0 × 10-2 to 1.0 × 10-6 M with a limit of detection of 3.2 × 10-7 M. The proposed electrode could be used at a working pH range of 1.5-4.0.