A copper(II)-selective PVC membrane electrode based on a macrocyclic ligand, 1,2,5,6,8,11-hexaazacyclododeca-7,12-dione-2,4,8,10-tetraene.

An attempt has been made to develop a highly selective Cu2+-ion selective electrode based on a poly(vinyl chloride) based sensor using 1,2,5,6,8,11-hexaazacyclododeca-7,12-dione-2,4,8,10-tetraene as ionophore with 61.5% DBP in the presence of 29% PVC, 4.5% ionophore and 5% NaTBP as an anion excluder. The sensor exhibits a near Nernstian potential response of 29.5 +/- 0.3 mV per decade over a wide concentration range (2.0 x 10(-7) - 1 x 10(-1) M) with a detection limit of 8.1 x 10(-8) M between pH 3 - 11 with a fast response time of < 5 s. The selectivity coefficient values, as determined by the matched potential method (MPM), indicate excellent selectivity for Cu(II) ions over a large number of ions. The proposed sensor exhibits an adequate shelf life (4 - 5 months) with good reproducibility. The quantification of Cu(II) in electroplating wastewater and various brands of Indian tea was successfully achieved using the proposed sensor.