Theoretical modeling of nanopore-based detection of trace concentrations of cesium ions in an aqueous environment
Journal
Journal of Physical Chemistry C
Journal Volume
125
Journal Issue
43
Pages
24211-24220
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
A conical poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanopore surface modified with a p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene crown is adopted to theoretically model the detection of trace concentrations of cesium ions in an aqueous environment through its ion current rectification (ICR) behavior. In particular, the background salt, the modification length of the modified layer, and the half cone angle of the nanopore are examined for their influence on the performance of the nanopore, which is measured by its ICR factor. The results of regression analysis for the dependence of the ICR ratio on the concentration of cesium ions suggest that the background salt appreciably influences the detection limit, and the optimum performance can be achieved by choosing a modified layer length of 1000 nm and half cone angle of 1°, where the widest detection range is [0.3, 500 nM] and the lowest detection limit is 0.3 nM. This detection limit is lower than those of the commonly used analytical tools such as atomic absorption spectroscopy, optical chemosensors, and electrochemical sensors. ? 2021 American Chemical Society
Subjects
Absorption spectroscopy
Electric rectifiers
Electrochemical sensors
Ions
Nanopores
Regression analysis
Aqueous environment
Background salts
Cesium ions
Cone angle
Detection limits
Ion current rectifications
Modified layer
Surface-modified
Theoretical modeling
Trace concentrations
Ethylene
Type
journal article