A new ion selective electrode for cesium (I) based on calix[4]arene-crown-6 compounds

► First report on Cs(I)-ISE employing 25,27-bis(1-octyloxy)calix[4]arene-crown-6. ► Higher sensitivity and selectivity achieved by minimizing trans-membrane fluxes. ► 10 months life time is longest reported so far for membrane based Cs-ISE. ► Cesium is chemically toxic displaces potassium from muscles and red blood cells. ► Its monitoring in environment is essential. A polyvinylchloride (PVC) based liquid membrane ion selective electrode (ISE) for cesium has been developed. 25,27-Dihydroxycalix[4]arene-crown-6 (L1), 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-dimethoxycalix[4]arene-crown-6 (L2) and 25,27-bis(1-octyloxy)calix[4]arene-crown-6 (L3) were investigated for their use as ionophores. The cation exchange resin DOWEX-50W was used to maintain low activity Cs+ in inner filling solution to improve the performance. The best response for cesium was observed with L3 along with optimized membrane constituents and composition. Excellent Nernstian response (56.6mV/decade of Cs(I)) over the concentration range 10−7 to 10−2M of Cs(I) was obtained with a fast response time of less than 10s. Detection limit for Cs(I) using the present ISE is 8.48×10−8M Cs(I). Separate solution method (SSM) was applied to ascertain the selectivity for Cs(I) over alkali, alkaline earth and transition metal ions. The response of ISE for Cs(I) was fairly constant over the pH range of 4–11. The lifetime of the electrode is 10 months which is the highest life for any membrane based Cs-ISE so far developed. The concentration of cesium ion in two simulated high level active waste streams was determined and results agreed well with those obtained independently employing AAS.