Novel polymeric sensor for ultra-trace determination of cerium (III) based on CoNiFe₂O₄ nanocomposite

Abstract

The current study reports a successful cation-selective electrode based on CoNiFe₂O₄ magnetic nanocomposite to determine the Ce³⁺ ion. The results revealed this new nanocomposite can be applied as an excellent modifier in lieu of common organic modifiers that are used in the construction of ion-selective electrodes. The replacement of nanocomposite can significantly boost the performance of the electrode compared with organic modifiers. Under optimal conditions, the sensor exhibited a Nernstian slope of roughly 17.5 mV per decade in the linear range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁸–1.0 × 10⁻¹mol/L. Also, the detection limit was 7.0 × 10⁻⁹mol/L. This electrochemical sensor showed a stable potential in 5 s. The optimum pH for electrode operation is in the range of 2–10. Among various interferences ions, this electrochemical sensor manifested high selectivity toward Ce³⁺ cation. The obtained results in analytical applications demonstrated the excellent ability of this electrode to determine Ce³⁺ cation via titration with ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid. Moreover, this indicator electrode was used for the measurement of Ce³⁺ cations in various samples.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• CoNiFe₂O₄ nanocomposite
• polyvinyl chloride
• coated graphite electrode
• cerium cation
• potentiometry

Disclosure statement

The authors declare there is no conflict of interest.