Novel selective and sensitive dual colorimetric sensor for mercury and lead ions derived from dithizone-polymeric nanocomposite hybrid

In this study, a new colorimetric sensor based on dithizone-anchored poly (vinyl pyridine- N,N-methylenebisacrylamide- acrylic acid) (poly (2-VP-MBAm-AA)) nanocomposite with a simple procedure was prepared for detection of mercury and lead ions trace levels in aqueous media. The incorporation of selectivity characteristics into colorimetric sensor was studied and the results of metal detection capacity showed the strong affinity toward Hg(II) and Pb(II). The specific detection of the optical sensor is attributed to the selective interaction between Hg(II) and Pb(II) with electron pair of N and S groups of immobilized dithizone on a nanocomposite membrane in aqueous media which was distinguished by naked eye and UV-vis spectrophotometer. The color of the resultant colorimetric sensor in the presence of Hg(II) and Pb(II) Shifted to violet and red, respectively. This new nanocolorimetric sensor displayed the advantages such as: rapidity, selectivity, sensitivity and suitability for detection of favorite ions up to 10 ppb in aqueous solution. The results indicated that dithizone-anchored poly (2-VP-MBAm-AA) nanocomposite can be potentially used as a colorimetric sensor for real sample analysis. The distinctive features of this novel naked-eye optical sensor in determination of toxic metals ion are simplicity, more sensitivity and no need to the sophisticated devices. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.