Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) Based PVC-Membrane-Coated Graphite Electrode for the Determination of Heavy Metals

Abstract

A PVC membrane based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coated directly on graphite electrode for determination of heavy metals in real soil sample is describes. The composite membranes have been prepared by using methacrylic acid (MAA) as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate (EGDMA) as cross linker. MAA was chosen as a functional monomer, as it capable of strong electrostatic interactions with heavy metals. The chemical behaviour of the thin film (MIP) were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The proposed electrode can be used in the pH range of 4.5-8.5 and revealed good selectivity for heavy metals over a wide variety of ions. Finally, the designed electrode was successfully applied as an indicator electrode to determine concentration of heavy metals in soil.