One‐Pot Synthesis of Xanthate‐Functionalized Cellulose for the Detection of Micromolar Copper(II) and Nickel(II) Ions

Greis, Kim
Bethke, Kevin
Stückrath, Julius B.
Ingber, Tjark T. K.
Valiyaveettil, Suresh
Rademann, Klaus

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23689/fidgeo-4393
Greis, Kim; Bethke, Kevin; Stückrath, Julius B.; Ingber, Tjark T. K.; Valiyaveettil, Suresh; Rademann, Klaus, 2019: One‐Pot Synthesis of Xanthate‐Functionalized Cellulose for the Detection of Micromolar Copper(II) and Nickel(II) Ions. In: CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water, 47, 9, DOI: https://doi.org/10.23689/fidgeo-4393. 
 
Greis, Kim; 1 Department of Chemistry Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
Stückrath, Julius B.; 1 Department of Chemistry Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
Ingber, Tjark T. K.; 1 Department of Chemistry Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
Valiyaveettil, Suresh; 2 Department of Chemistry National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
Rademann, Klaus; 1 Department of Chemistry Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany

Abstract

A one‐pot synthesis and application of cellulose‐based sensors to efficiently detect various toxic metal ions in aqueous solutions in micromolar quantities is reported. Cellulose microfibers have been functionalized with carbon disulfide in alkaline solution to form cellulose xanthate. The material detects several toxic metal ions such as copper, nickel, or cobalt ions through color change detectable by the naked eye. The optical sensor can be used as an ideal flash test for assessing the quality of drinking water.


Cellulose is functionalized in a one‐pot synthesis with xanthate groups. The as‐synthesized material is able to detect toxic copper(II) and nickel(II) ions in micromolar quantities by color change, detectable by the naked eye. The colorimetric sensor can be used as a flash test to assess the quality of drinking water.