Potentiometric sensors based on tetraphenylborates of calcium and barium complexes with poly(oxyethylene) mono(6-methylheptyl)phenyl ether for the determination of nonionic surfactants

Abstract The response characteristics of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane-type Triton X-100-divalent ion electrode are described. The sensor consists of the tetraphenylborates of calcium and barium complexes with a nonionic surfactant, poly(oxyethylene) mono(6-methylheptyl)phenyl ether(Triton X-100) in PVC. The electrode with the calcium salt sensor shows stable response to nonionic surfactants in hydrochloric acid, alkali metal chloride and barium chloride solutions. The composition of the precipitates was estimated by potentyl)iometric titration of the surfactant with sodium tetraphenylborate in the presence of barium ions, in addition to chelatometric and gravimetric procedures.