Potentiometric sensors based on new active components in the multisensor determination of homologues anionic surfactants

Abstract

Potentiometric sensors are proposed on the basis of alkyl sulfates and cationic copper(II) complexes with organic reagents selective to anionic surfactants. Physical and chemical properties of the ionophores (composition, thermal stability, solubility) are determined in aqueous solutions and in the membrane phase. The studied compounds are poorly soluble (K_s = n × 10^–22–n × 10^–20) and thermally stable at 80−90°C. The main electroanalytical properties of sensors are estimated, i.e., analytical range in solutions of sodium alkyl sulfates 2 × 10^–7–1 × 10^–2 M; 46 <α < 66 mV/рc; LOD = 1 × 10^–7 M; response time 8–9 s in a solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate with the concentration not lower than 1 × 10^–4 M; potential drift 2–3 mV/day; and lifetime 12 months. The multisensor determination of homologues sodium alkyl sulfates in model mixtures and natural waters is performed using the proposed sensors.