A Novel Selective Membrane Sensor for Detection of Fe3+

A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based membrane sensor for detection of Fe3+ was prepared by using 2-((E)-((Z)-2-(methylimino)benzofuran-3(2H)-ylidene)amino)-benzoic acid (BFYABA) as membrane carrier, and tributyl phosphate (TBP) as plasticizer. The sensor exhibits an excellent Nernstian response to Fe3+ and works rang from 5.5 x 10(-6) to 1.0 x 10(-1) M with a Nernstian slope of 19.9 +/- 0.4 mV/dec as well as a detection limit of 4.5 x 10(-6) M. It has a relatively fast response time in the whole concentration range (<10 s) and could be used for at least 2 months. The proposed sensor can be used in the pH range of 3.0-6.0. The response mechanism of the proposed sensor was discussed by the alternating current (AC) impedance technique. In addition, the proposed electrode was used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of Fe3+ and in the direct determination of Fe3+ in wastewater samples.