Abstract: A new solid-state mercury ion-selective electrode was prepared by directly coating the surface of a glassy carbon electrode with tetrahydrofuran solution containing PVC, 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis[(1'-naphthalene) selenopropoxy] calix[4]arene, dioctyl phthalate and potassium tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl) borate. The response of the electrode is linear with a good Nernstian slope of 31.5 mV/decade over an Hg²⁺ ion concentration range of 5.0×10^-9—5.0×10^-2 mol/L and a detection limit of 1.0×10^-9 mol/L. The response time to achieve a 95% steady potential for Hg²⁺ detection is less than 30 s, and the electrode is suitable for use within the pH range of 2—4. The selectivity for Hg²⁺ relative to several alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy met al ions is good. The mechanism of the potential response of this system was also discussed.

Key words: Calixarene derivative, Solid-state PVC film, Ion-selective electrode, Mercury ion