Silver(I)-selective membrane potentiometric sensor based on two recently synthesized ionophores containing calix[4]arene

Two new PVC membrane electrodes that are highly selective to Ag(I) ions were prepared using (L(1)) calyx[4]arene (L(2)) as two suitable neutral carriers. The silver(I) ion selective electrodes exhibit a good response for silver ion over a wide concentration range of 1.0 x 10(-1) to 4.2 x 10(-6) M (L(1)) and 1.0 x 10(-1) to 6.5 x 10(-6) M (L(2)) with a Nernstian slope of 60 mV per decade (L(1)) and 58 mV per decade (L(2)) at 25A degrees C, and was found to be very selective, precise, and usable within the pH range 4.0-8.0. They have a response time of < 15 s and can be used for at least 3 months without any measurable divergence in potential. The proposed sensors show a fairly good discriminating ability towards Ag(+) ion in comparison to some hard and soft metal ions. The electrodes were used as indicator electrodes in the potentiometric titration of silver ion and in the determination of Ag(+) in photographic emulsion and radiographic and photographic films.