Novel nitrite membrane sensor based on cobalt(II) salophen for selective monitoring of nitrite ions in biological samples

A novel PVC-based membrane sensor based on the Co(II)-salophen complex (CSC) is described. The electrode revealed a Nernstian response over a wide nitrite ion concentration range (1.0x10(-6)-1.0x10(-1) M). The detection limit of the sensor is 8.0x10(-7) M. The best performance was obtained with a membrane composition of 33% PVC, 61% ortho-nitrophenyloctyl ether, 3% cobalt(II)-salophen, and 3% hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. The potentiometric response of the sensor is independent of the pH of solution in the pH range 4.5-11.9. The electrode exhibits a very fast response time and good selectivity over a variety of common inorganic and organic anions, including fluoride, bromide, iodide, sulfite, nitrate, thiocyanate, thriiodide and perchlorate. The selectivity behavior of the proposed sensor shows substantial improvements compared to the previously reported electrodes for nitrite ion. The membrane sensor can be used for at least 2 months without any divergence in potential. The electrode was successfully applied to the monitoring of nitrite ion in water, sausage, flour, wheat, cheese and milk.