Synthesis of a new oxime and its application to the construction of a highly selective and sensitive Co(II) PVC-based membrane sensor.

A cobalt(II) ion-selective membrane sensor has been fabricated from a poly vinyl chloride (PVC) matrix membrane containing a new oxime compound (oxime of 1-(2-oxocyclohexyl)-1,2-cyclohexanediol, OXCCD) as a neutral carrier, sodium tetraphenyl borate (NaTPB) as an anionic excluder and o-nitrophenyloctylether (o-NPOE) as a plasticizing solvent mediator. The membrane sensor exhibits a linear potential response in the concentration range of 1.0 x 10(-1) - 1.0 x 10(-6) M of Co2+. The electrode displays a Nernstian slope of 29.8 mV decade(-1) in the pH range of 3.5 - 8.0. The sensor also exhibits a fast response time of < 25 s. The detection limit of the proposed sensor is 9.0 x 10(-7) M (approximately 40 ng/ml), and it can be used over a period of two months. The selectivity of the sensor with respect to other cations (alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions) is excellent. The practical utility of the sensor has been demonstrated by using it as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Co2+ with EDTA and for the direct determination of Co(II) in wastewater of the electroplating industry.