Polyurethane-based cation exchange composite membranes: Preparation, characterization and its application in development of ion-selective electrode for detection of copper(II)

• New cation-exchange composite membranes were prepared by solution casting method.
• Ion-selective electrode was developed by using these membranes for the determination of Cu(II).
• The ISE shows linear potential response in the concentration range of 1 × 10−1 mol L−1 to 1 × 10−8 mol L−1of Cu(II) ion.
• The accuracy of the procedure has been tested on copper-free drinking water samples.
• Results were comparable to those generated by AAS.

Polyurethane-cerium(IV) phosphate composite cation exchange membranes were prepared by solution casting method in different stoicheometric ratios of polyurethane and cerium(IV) phosphate. The structure and morphology of the prepared membranes were ascertained by FTIR, SEM, TGA and DTA. The membrane having composition 1:2 (PU: cerium(IV) phosphate) shows best results for ion-exchange capacity, water content, porosity, thickness and swelling. The Cu(II) selective electrode was developed by using this membrane for the determination of Cu(II) in solutions. The accuracy of the procedure has been tested on drinking water samples spiked with known amounts of Cu(II) and results were comparable to those generated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.

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