Non-covalently functionalized graphene for the potentiometric sensing of zinc ions

Abstract

The possibility of the application of non-covalently functionalized graphene as a sensing membrane for the potentiometric determination of zinc ions was examined. A graphene carboxylic derivative was functionalized with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol, the Zn²⁺ ions complexing ligand, simply by adsorption of ligand molecules due to π–π interactions. This approach has resulted in a potentiometric sensor characterized with significant selectivity for Zn²⁺ ions present in solution.