Electrochemical molecular recognition by 2,5-bis(phosphonomethyl)hydroquinone (BPH2Q) ionically bound to indium tin oxide electrodes

A novel derivative of hydroquinone, BPH2Q, has been synthesized and used for the chemical modification of indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes pretreated with Zr(IV) ion solutions. Ionic binding of the BPH2Q molecule to the zirconium ion-treated ITO surface produces a layer with a coverage of 2.6×10−10 mol cm−2. The modified electrode exhibits electrochemical molecular recognition for alkali metal cations.