Colorimetric chemosensor for Ni2+ based on alizarin complexone and a cationic polyelectrolyte in aqueous solution

Abstract

ABSTRACTA new and convenient chemosensor for detecting Ni2+ in aqueous buffer has been developed by mixing an anionic organic dye, alizarin complexone (ALC) and a cationic polyelectrolyte, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC). After addition of Ni2+, the chemosensor exhibits a remarkable bathochromic shift with a significant color change from red to blue, while other metal ions did not induce such a change. The color change may be attributed to the aggregate formation of an ALC‐based Ni2+ complex on the surface of PDADMAC. The results showed that the ALC and PDADMAC mixture can be applied to detect Ni2+ selectively with colorimetric changes. This investigation can lead to the construction of new chemosensors by facile and simple mixture of a water‐soluble dye and an oppositely charged polyelectrolyte. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47496.