Potentiometric Determination of Cationic Surfactant using ‘Polymeric-Inorganic’ Nanocomposite Sensor

Abstract

A cationic surfactant-selective electrode for sensitive analysis of cationic surfactant has been developed by using a plasticized poly (vinyl chloride) membrane based on nanocomposite cation exchanger polypyrrole zirconium titanium phosphate. The electrode is excellently selective for the cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) ion over inorganic ions and other cationic surfactants. The membrane electrode was mechanically stable, having wide dynamic range of 10^-7M to 10^-3M of CTA⁺ ions, with quick response time and could be operated for at least 4 months without any considerable divergence in the potential response characteristics. The electrode was successfully applied for direct determination of cationic surfactant, CTAB, in commercial disinfectants. The electrode has been used as an end-point indicator for potentiometric titration of analytical and technical grade commercial surfactants.