A Highly Sensitive Potentiometric Amphetamine Microsensor Based on All-Solid-State Membrane Using a New Ion-Par Complex, [3,3′-Co(1,2-closo-C2B9H11)2]− C9H13NH+

Abstract

In the present work a highly sensitive ion-selective microelectrode for the detection of amphetamine is presented. For this purpose, a novel ion-par complex based on the metallocarborane, cobalt bis(dicarbollide) anion ([3,3′-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₁)₂]⁻) coupled to amphetamonium cation has been prepared as the active site for amphetamine recognition. The prepared ion-par complex was incorporated to a PVC-type sensitive membrane. It was then drop-casted on the top of a gold microelectrode previously modified with a solid contact layer of polypyrrole. This novel amphetamine microsensor has provided excellent and quick response within the range 10⁻⁵ M to 10⁻³ M of amphetamine concentration, a limit of detection of 12 µM and a slope of 60.1 mV/decade. It was also found to be highly selective toward some potential interference compounds when compared to amphetamine.