(315d) Simplified Nano-Ities System for Simultaneous Detection of Metal Ions in Aqueous Samples

Heavy metal toxicity is a growing concern worldwide as it causes fatal health disorders such as neurological issues and dysfunction of kidneys and livers. This problem is caused by rapid industrialization and poor recycling techniques of industrially produced metals that have left humans at high risk. To combat this problem, effective metal mitigation systems are needed. However, traditional techniques require expensive equipment and are difficult to operate, making them inaccessible to many. Moreover, the pre-treatment steps involved in these techniques limit real-time detection, and can alter the metal speciation, which is an important factor in determining metal toxicity. Thus, the development of a portable, low-cost, and reliable sensor that can provide accurate information on metal speciation is crucial.

The Pathirathna group had previously developed a Cd(II) sensor capable of detecting trace amounts of Cd(II) in environmental samples using ion transfer between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES). The sensor exhibited great stability and outstanding performance that was comparable to that of ICPMS. While detecting toxic metals in the environment, detecting multiple analytes would enhance the resourcefulness of the sensor. While extensive research has been performed using dual working electrodes to achieve simultaneous detection of multiple analytes, fabricating a double bore configuration is often challenging and can have potential interference and crosstalk. In this study we propose a single bore and single ionophore configuration with ITIES to achieve the same. This method has several advantages including simplicity in fabrication, less expensive and eliminates the need to integrate different ionophores.

We prepared borosilicate glass electrodes with an inner radius of 300 nm. We employed the differences in the half-wave potential, a signature electrochemical parameter for an analyte, to differentiate between multiple metals. We also demonstrated that the sensor can detect metals in artificial urine and artificial blood. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a single channel single ionophore based ITIES has been used for the simultaneous detection of multiple metal analytes. Our sensor shows great promise in being developed into an efficient metal monitoring device in the future. By offering real-time detection and accurate information on metal speciation, the sensor has the potential to revolutionize the field of heavy metal detection and help mitigate the rising global concern of heavy metal toxicity. Future research will be focused on automating the detection process in which the device will be able to complete the detection process without the need to be monitored. This novel approach has the potential to revolutionize the field of heavy metal detection and help mitigate the rising global concern of heavy metal toxicity.