Preparation of PbS Nanoparticles by Phase-Transfer Method and Application to Pb2+-Selective Electrode Based on PVC Membrane

A novel approach to prepare homogeneous PbS nanoparticles by phase-transfer method was developed. The preparatory conditions were studied in detail, and the nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. Then a novel lead ion-selective electrode of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane based on these lead sulfide nanoparticles was prepared, and the optimum ratio of components in the membrane was determined. The results indicated that the sensor exhibited a wide concentration range of 1.0x10(-5) to 1.0x10(-2) mol.L(-1). The response time of the electrode was about 10 s, and the optimal pH in which the electrode could be used was from 3.0 to 7.0. Selectivity coefficients indicated that the electrode was selective to the primary ion over the interfering ion. The electrode can be used for at least 3 months without any divergence in potential. It was successfully applied to directly determine lead ions in solution and used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of lead ions with EDTA.