Preparation and characterization of a new organic–inorganic nano-composite poly-o-toluidine Th(IV) phosphate: Its analytical applications as cation-exchanger and in making ion-selective electrode

An organic–inorganic hybrid poly-o-toluidine Th(IV) phosphate was chemically synthesized by mixing ortho-tolidine into the gel of Th(IV) phosphate in different mixing volume ratios, concentration of inorganic reactant with a fixed mixing volume ratios of organic polymer. The physico-chemical characterization was carried out by elemental analysis, TEM, SEM, XRD, FTIR and simultaneous TGA–DTA studies. The ion-exchange capacity, chemical stability, effect of eluant concentration, elution behavior and pH titration studies were also carried out to understand the ion-exchange capabilities. The distribution studies revealed that the cation-exchange material is highly selective for Hg2+, which is an important environmental pollutant. Due to selective nature of the cation-exchanger ion-selective membrane electrode was fabricated for the determination of Hg(II) ions in solutions. The analytical utility of this electrode was established by employing it as an indicator electrode in electrometric titrations.