Highly sensitive and selective detection of beryllium ions using a microcantilever modified with benzo-9-crown-3 doped hydrogel

Abstract

A microcantilever sensor modified by chitosan/gelatin hydrogels that are doped with benzo-9-crown-3 has been developed for the sensitive and selective detection of beryllium ions in an aqueous solution. The microcantilever undergoes bending deflection upon exposure to Be2+ due to selective absorption of Be2+ in the hydrogel. The detection limit is 10 -11 M. Other metal ions, such as Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, have a marginal effect on the deflection of the microcantilever. The mechanism of the bending is discussed and the results showed that the microcantilever may be used for in situ detection of beryllium. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 1212.