Ion selective electrode for cesium based on 5-(4′-nitrophenylazo)25,27-bis(2-propyloxy)26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene

A polyvinylchloride (PVC) based liquid membrane ion selective electrode (ISE) for cesium was fabricated with 5-(4′-nitrophenylazo)25,27-bis(2-propyloxy)26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene as ionophore. Different membrane constituents were investigated to realise optimum performance of the ISE developed. Of the four plasticizers and two ion additives studied, the best response was observed with membrane having 2-nitro phenyl octyl ether (oNPOE) as plasticizer and potassium tetrakis (perchloro phenyl) borate (KTpClPB) as ion additive. Linear response over concentration range of 10 −5–10 −1 M CsCl was obtained. The Nernstian slope of the response was 56 mV per decade for Cs with a response time less than 20 s. Matched potential method has been applied to find out the selectivity for Cs over several ions like Rb +, K +, Na +, NH 4 +, Sr 2+, Ba 2+, Ca 2+, Mg 2+, Cu 2+, Pb 2+, Zn 2+, Ni 2+ and Ce 3+. The response of ISE for Cs + was fairly constant over the pH range of 3–11. The lifetime of the electrode is 9 months which is the longest life for any membrane-based Cs-ISE so far developed. The concentration of cesium in two simulated high level active waste streams was determined and results agreed well with those obtained independently employing atomic absorption spectrometry.