Efficient Immobilization of a Cadmium Chemosensor in a Thin Film:  Generation of a Cadmium Sensor Prototype

The development of an ion-selective chemosensor for Cd²⁺ allows generation of a “real-time” sensor. Immobilization of the chemosensor on quartz was achieved in a simple monolayer and in a thin film using a polymer intermediary. As intended, the thin film contains much more chemosensor than the monolayer and provides measurable responses to aqueous Cd²⁺ concentrations below 1 μM. Alkali and alkaline earth ions do not interfere with Cd²⁺ sensing; Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ are potential interferents.