A Ho(III) potentiometric polymeric membrane sensor based on a new four dentate neutral ion carrier

In this research, we report a new Ho^3 +-PVC membrane electrode based on N-(4,5-dimethyl-2-(picolinamido)phenyl)picolinamide (H₂Me₂bpb) as a suitable ion carrier. Poly vinylchloride (PVC)-based membrane composed of H₂Me₂bpb with oleic acid (OA) as anionic additives, and o-nitrophenyloctyl ether (NPOE) as plasticized solvent mediator. The sensor exhibits a Nernstian slope of 20.1 ± 0.2 mV decade^? 1 over the concentration range of 1.0 × 10^? 6 to 1.0 × 1^? 2 mol L^? 1, and a detection limit of 5.0 × 10^? 7 mol L^? 1 of Ho^3 + ions. The potentiometric response of the sensor is independent of the solution pH in the range of 3.5–9.4. It has a very short response time, in the whole concentration range (< 10 s), and can be used for at least eight weeks. The proposed electrode shows a good selectivity towards Ho^3 + ions over a wide variety of cations, including alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions. To assess its analytical applicability the proposed Ho^3 + sensor was successfully applied as an indicator electrode in the titration of Ho^3 + ion solutions in certified reference materials, alloy samples and for the determination of the fluoride ion in two mouthwash preparations.