Copper (II) Ion Detection in Food and Water Harnessing Schiff Base-Enabled Electrochemical Sensor

Abstract

A copper (II) ion-selective sensor was generated using a processed membrane that included 4-(2-(2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazono) Methyl)Benzene-1,3-diol (L). The sensor’s efficacy was tested using a variety of plasticizers, comprising sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB), O-Nitrophenyloctyl ether (ONPOE), benzyl acetate (BA), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and dibutyl sebacate (DBS). Membrane layers comprised of L:DBS:OA:PVC in a ratio of 5:55:10:30 (w/w,%) provided optimum sensing effectiveness. The detection system performed well in an average concentration that ranged from 5.3×10−8 to 1.0×10−1 mol L−1, with a Nernstian slope of 29.1±0.5 mV decade-1 for Cu(II) ions. The sensor’s minimal detection limit of 2.1×10−8 mol, broad pH range (3.1–8.2), quick reaction time (9 s), strong non-aqueous resistance (up to 25% v/v), and good retention time (2 months) demonstrates its value. Potentiometric selectivity coefficients revealed an exclusive exposure for Cu(II) ions under the influence of intervening ions, allowing for accurate identification of copper in a variety of materials such as food oils, tomato plant material, and river water. The proposed sensor is a promising means for accurately detecting Cu(II) ions in environmental and food specimens, with potential utilization in quality assurance and environmental surveillance.