Research Specifications

Selective recognition of metal ions is a real challenge for a large range of applications in the analytical field (from extraction to detection and quantification). For that purpose, ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) have been increasingly developed. IIPs are a new category of polymeric materials to produce polymers with ionic memory through the polymerization of appropriate monomer in the presence of specific ion that act as a template. The subsequent discharge of target ions form identification sites in ion imprinted polymers which selectively rebind to the desired ions (target) [1, 2]. With progress of mining industry, plating and other industrial activities, heavy metals are widely found in water resources which can harm human health and the environment at low concentrations. Pollution with heavy metals not only affects the agriculture products, but also impresses the quality of atmosphere and the safety of humans and animals through the food cycle. Environmental pollution that caused by heavy metals is a lasting process [3]. Nickel is one of heavy metals, although it is assumed as an fundamental element in body because of its activator role for several enzymes [4], excess amount of nickel is toxic. It can increase risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological deficits, and high blood pressure. In addition it is one of many carcinogenic metals known to be an environmental and occupational pollutant. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately determine low concentrations of nickel in environment and natural water resources [5]. Therefore, electrochemical determination of Ni(II) using Ni(II) imprinted poly dopamine film at the surface of glassy carbon electrode was performed. The Ni (II) – imprinted PDA/GCE sensor showed faster binding kinetics and higher selectivity to template Ni(II). Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) was used for Ni(II) determination in Britton- Robinson buffer solution and some parameters such as volume of polymer d