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A highly sensitive “test paper” for Hg 2+ ions based on polyurethane membrane
Author(s) -
Li Xianghong,
Yang Zhen,
Cheng Xinjian,
Zhang Huijuan,
Wu Guiping,
Zhang Aiqing
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.3192
Subject(s) - ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid , membrane , polyurethane , metal ions in aqueous solution , ion , materials science , metal , heavy metals , chemical engineering , nuclear chemistry , chelation , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , environmental chemistry , composite material , metallurgy , engineering , biochemistry
Heavy metals have caused a lot of serious problems to human beings. A reusable, highly sensitive metal sensor based on polyurethane membrane, which can detect and remove Hg 2+ ions, was prepared and tested in this work. A sensor with hydroxyl (−OH) group was grafted to polyurethane, and the heavy metal sensitive membrane was synthesized accordingly. Upon addition of Hg 2+ ion solution to the as‐prepared membrane, the color change occurred instantly. Moreover, different colors appeared with different concentration of the Hg 2+ ions, which could make the membrane be employed as a heavy metal “test paper”. In addition, the membrane sensor could be recycled after the interaction with Hg 2+ ions by treating the used membrane with dilute ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid 2Na solution. This efficient and easily prepared membrane‐based sensor has a promising application in environmental science. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.