Cross-Sensitive Potentiometric Sensors Based on Anti-Crown (C6HgF4)3

In this work, we explore the possibility of using anti-crown ether (C6HgF4)3 as a membrane-active component for potentiometric cross-sensitive sensors. Anti-crown ligands have already been employed as ionophores in plasticized polymeric membranes; however, the results of these studies are contradictory. In order to clarify the electrochemical sensitivity patterns of anti-crown-based sensors, we have studied plasticized polymeric membranes containing cation and anion-exchanging additives and various solvent-plasticizers. We explored the electrochemical sensitivity of these membranes in a wide variety of aqueous solutions of inorganic salts. Alkaline, alkaline-earth, and d-element salts with different anions were studied. It was found that the sensors based on anti-crown (C6HgF4)3 exhibit cationic sensitivity, and no considerable anionic responses were observed.