A Solid Binding Matrix/Mimic Receptor‐Based Sensor System for Trace Level Determination of Iron Using Potential Measurements

Iron(II)‐(1,10‐phenanthroline) complex imprinted membrane was prepared by ionic imprinting technology. In the first step, Fe(II) established a coordination linkage with 1,10‐phenanthroline and functional monomer 2‐vinylpyridine (2‐VP). Next, the complex was copolymerized with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker in the presence of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator. Potentiometric chemical sensors were designed by dispersing the iron(II)‐imprinted polymer particles in 2‐nitrophenyloctyl ether ( o ‐NPOE) plasticizer and then embedded in poly vinyl chloride (PVC) matrix. The sensors showed a Nernstian response for [Fe(phen) 3 ] 2+ with limit of detection 3.15 ng mL −1 and a Nernstian slope of 35.7 mV per decade.