A novel Ho(III) sensor based on N,N'-bis(2- pyridinecarboxamide)-1,2-benzene as a neutral ion carrier

N,N'-bis(2- pyridinecarboxamide)-1,2-benzene (H2BPB) was found to have a selective and sensitive behavior towards Ho(III) ion, in comparison to a large number of lanthanide, inner transition and representative metal ions and was hence applied as a neutral ionophore, for preparing an Ho(III) membrane sensor, with high selectivity and sensitivity. The membranes, also contain potassium tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl) borate as an anionic additives, and were tested by using different plasticizing solvent mediators such as benzyl acetate (BA), nitrobenzene (NB), and o-nitrophenyloctyl ether (NPOE). The optimum composition was found to be H2BPB-PVC- KTpClPB-BA with the ratios of 6.0: 30.0: 4.0: 60.0, respectively. Having a Nernstian response of 19.6 ± 0.2 mV per decade of Ho(III) activity, the linear range of the sensor was found to be relatively wide (from 1.0×10-5 to 1.0 ×10-2 mol L-1). It can work well in the pH range of 3.0-11.5. The lower detection limit (LDL) of the sensor was calculated to be 8.0 ×10-6 mol L-1. The excellent Ho(III)-selectivity of the proposed sensor with regard to most common metal ions, and especially, all lanthanide ions, is another advantage that can be mentioned about this sensor. The sensor was successfully used as an indicator electrode for titration of 25 mL of a 1.0 × 10-4 mol L-1 Ho(III) ions with a 1.0 × 10-2 mol L-1 EDTA, and vise versa. To the best of our knowledge this is the first Ho(III)-selective sensor.