Determination of zinc (II) ion using carbon paste electrode modified with Zn-ion imprinted polymeric nanoparticles

Zinc is an essential element for human, plant and animals. It is necessary for many biological functions and plays a crucial role in enzymes in the human body, fertility, growth, taste, smell, skin, hair and immune system [1-3], so monitoring of this element in water, soil and food samples is very important. This study describes the development of an electrochemical sensor based on the use of zinc (II) ion imprinted polymeric nanoparticles (IIP-NPs) and its application for determination of the Zn-68 stable isotope. Ion imprinted polymeric particles synthesized by precipitation polymerization method and used as identification element in the construction of the sensor. Also for comparison, the non-imprinted polymer (NIP) particles prepared in a similar manner but in absence of Zn2+ ion. The SEM images of obtained polymers showed that the IIP particles have dimensions in nano-scale. The electrochemical performance of the sensor investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The results depicted that the IIP-CP electrode has much higher adsorption ability to Zn2+ ion than the NIP-CP electrode. The effect of some parameters affecting the sensor response, such as electrode composition, adsorption and desorption conditions studied and then calibration curve was drawn. Under the optimal conditions, the linear dynamic range and limit of detection were 0.05 to 0.5 nM and 4.3 %, respectively. The sensor was successfully used to determination of the Zn-68 stable isotope.