An overview of potentiometric sensors that are capable of detecting toxic heavy metal ions in environmental samples is presented and discussed. Notwithstanding the tremendous work performed so far, it is obvious that still several limitations do exist in terms of selectivity, limits of detection, dynamic ranges, applicability to specific problems, and reversibility. A survey on important advances in potentiometric sensors with regard to high selectivity, lower detection limit, fast response time, and on-line environmental analysis is presented in this review article. [Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry to view the free supplemental file.].

No abstract

Ionophore incorporated PVC membrane sensors are well-established analytical tools routinely used for the selective and direct measurement of a wide variety of different ions in complex biological and environmental samples. Potentiometric sensors have some outstanding advantages including simple design and operation, wide linear dynamic range, relatively fast response and rational selectivity. The vital component of such plasticized PVC members is the ionophore involved, defining the selectivity of the electrodes' complex formation. Molecular recognition causes the formation of many different supramolecules. Different types of supramolecules, like calixarenes, cyclodextrins and podands, have been used as a sensing material in the construction of ion selective sensors. Schiff's bases and crown ethers, which feature prominently in supramolecular chemistry, can be used as sensing materials in the construction of potentiometric ion selective electrodes. Up to now, more than 200 potentiometric membrane sensors for cations and anions based on Schiff's bases and crown ethers have been reported. In this review cation binding and anion complexes will be described. Liquid membrane sensors based on Schiff's bases and crown ethers will then be discussed.

Supramolecular chemistry can be defined as a field of chemistry, which studies the complex multi-molecular species formed from molecular components that have relatively simpler structures. This field has been subject to extensive research over the past four decades. This review discusses classification of supramolecules and their application in design and construction of ion selective sensors.