Nickel(II)-selective sensor based on dibenzo-18-crown-6 in PVC matrix

Nickel(II)-selective sensors have been fabricated from poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix membranes containing neutral carrier dibenzo-18-crown-6 as electroactive material, sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as an anion excluder and tris-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) as plasticizing solvent mediator. The membrane having the composition of crown ether:NaTPB:TEHP:PVC in the ratio 10:1:200:200 (w/w) exhibits best results with linear potential response in the concentration range of 1.0 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−1 M and a Nernstian slope of 29.5 mV/decade of activity between 2.6 and 6.8. The sensor exhibits a fast response time of <25 s, is inert towards non-aqueous medium up to 15% (v/v) and was used over a period of 4 months with good reproducibility. It is selective over a number of mono-, bi- and trivalent cations. The practical utility of the sensor has been demonstrated by using it as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Ni2+ against EDTA and also for the estimation of Ni2+ in some Indian brand chocolates.