Cu2+ imprinting polymers and their potentiometric microsensor applications

Potentiometric Cu2+-selective PVC membrane microsensors were developed by using novel Cu2+-imprinting polymers having different structural and chemical properties. The performance characteristics of the sensors were tested under static and dynamic conditions. Prepared Cu2+-selective potentiometric microsensors performed nearly Nerstian behaviour (~25- 27 mV/per decade) in main ion solutions with a short response time ( <10 s) and long life-time (6-8 weeks). Prepared Cu2+-selective sensors exhibited a linear response towards main ion solutions in a wide concentration range ( ~10-1-10-6 mol.L-1 ). Prepared sensors also exhibited high selectivity towards to main ions than that of alkaline, alkaline earth and some transition metals. Prepared Cu2+-selective potentiometric microsensors were successfully utilized for the determination of Cu2+ in environmental water samples. Also, low dead volume micro-sized flow through cells of the Cu2+ sensitive sensors were manufactured and used as detectors in flow injection analysis (FIA) system.