A novel cyanide sensing phase based on immobilization of methyl violet on a triacetylcellulose membrane

The characterization of an optical absorption based one-shot sensor membrane is described for the determination of cyanide ion based on the immobilization of methyl violet on a triacetylcellulose membrane. Methyl violet is covalently bonded to a transparent triacetylcellulose film. Cyanide ion reacts with the immobilized methyl violet and causes a decrease in the absorbance of the film at 598 nm. The response time of sensing phase is within 8–12 min depending on the concentration of CN− ions. This sensing phase has a linear range of 3.8–95 mmol L−1 (100–2500 μg mL−1) for CN− ions with a limit of detection of 2.4 mmol L−1 (63 μg mL−1) at a wavelength of 598 nm. The one-shot sensor can readily be fully regenerated with methyl violet solution, and the color is fully reversible.