Low-tech innovation: biomimetic solid-contact potentiometric sensor for nanomolar-level atrazine detection

Despite the fact that there are already a number of solid-contact-based ion-selective electrodes designed for atrazine detection, our ground-breaking contribution lies in introducing the first-ever atrazine potentioselectrode, enabling the ultra-sensitive detection of atrazine at nanomolar levels. Solid-contact ion-selective electrodes can offer advantages, such as improved stability, reproducibility, sensitivity, and selectivity compared to their liquid-contact counterparts. Here, a biomimetic potentiometric sensor for Atrazine was developed using economic, light weight, and flexible carbon cloth as solid-contact material. Our methodology entails the synthesis of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) through straightforward precipitation polymerization, showcasing a streamlined and efficient method for creating highly specific molecular recognition elements. The validation of template removal is confirmed via meticulous analysis employing EDX and FTIR techniques, ensuring the efficacy of our methodology. The resulting sensing membrane are casted by dispersing the MIP in 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether plasticizer and embedding it within a PVC matrix containing sodium tetraphenyl borate as a lipophilic additive. The developed sensor responds to atrazine in the pH range of 2.8–3.3 over a wide concentration range of 1 × 10^–8 M to 1 × 10^–5 M & 1 × 10^–5 M to 1 × 10^–1 M with respective slopes of 29.2 mv & 58.7 mV and a limit of detection of 1 × 10^–9 M. An impressive feature of this sensor lies in its swift response time, registering a rapid reaction within a mere 10 s. Emphasize the sensor’s commendable attributes of reproducibility, selectivity, and sensitivity underscoring its successful application in field monitoring.

Graphical abstract