Photo-induced graft (co)polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile on PET ion-track membranes for electrochemical detection of uranyl ions

Uranium and their compounds are harmful to human health and with rapid development of nuclear industry, development of fast and reliable method of detection of uranium in the environment has become relevant task. In this article, we present the results of preparation of electrochemical sensor based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) ion-track membranes (PET TMs) for sensing of uranium in water. Graft (co)polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and acrylonitrile (AN) and subsequent polymer analogous reactions of grafted chains with formation of amino and amidoxime groups allow us to obtain sensors with LOD of up to 5.45 μg/L (R2 = 0.9981, linear relationship in in concentration range from 1 to 100 μg/L) for PET TMs-g-PAN/PGMA using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SW-ASV). The influence of the type of grafted polymer on the sensitivity of sensors was also studied. Optimal parameters that led to functionalization of the surface by photo-induced grafting with preservation of the pore structure were found. Morphology and pore size of the membranes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), gas permeability test. Chemical changes on the membrane were proven by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). [Display omitted] •PET ion-track membranes were modified by photografting of GMA, AN, GMA/AN.•Influence of parameters on grafting degree was studied, optimal condition was found.•Polymer analogous reactions of grafted chains were carried out.•Sensors based modified membranes were prepared.•Sensors were tested in SW-ASV for uranyl ions detection in µg/L.