Improved polyHEMA-DAQ films for the optical analysis of nitrite

A series of crosslinked poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) films containing 1,2-diaminoantraquinone (DAQ) have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically by FT-IR and UV-vis. Their response towards nitrite anion in acidic medium has been evaluated by means of time-resolved UV-vis spectroscopy. This kinetic analysis has provided a tool for the dynamic characterization of nitrite-sensitive films which could have application in biomedical analysis (nitrite monitoring of biological fluids) and environmental science (control of nitrite levels in drinking water). (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.