Synthesis, characterization and analytical application of nano-composite cation-exchange material, poly-o-toluidine Ce(IV) phosphate: Its application in making Cd(II) ion selective membrane electrode

An organic-inorganic composite, poly-o-toluidine Ce(IV) phosphate was chemically synthesized by mixing ortho-toluidine into the gel of Ce(IV) phosphate in different mixing volume ratios. Effect of eluant concentration, elution behavior and pH-titration studies were carried out to understand the ion-exchange capabilities. The physico-chemical properties of the material were determined using AAS, CHN elemental analysis, UV–VIS spectrophotometry, FTIR, SEM/EDX, TGA–DTA, TEM (Transmission electron microscopy), XRD and SEM studies. The distribution studies revealed that the cation-exchange material is highly selective for Cd(II). Due to selective nature of the cation-exchanger, ion selective membrane electrode was fabricated for the determination of Cd(ІІ) ions in solutions. The analytical utility of this electrode was established by employing it as an indicator electrode in electrometric titrations.

Graphical abstractPoly-o-toluidine Ce(ІV) phosphate, a nano-composite cation-exchanger used as Cd(II) ions-selective membrane electrode. Transmission electron microphotographs (TEM) of poly-o-toluidine Ce(ІV) phosphate showing different particle sizeFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide