Selective membrane for detecting nitrate based on planar electromagnetic sensors array

Abstract

The applications of planar electromagnetic sensor are gaining worldwide attention since it was introduced due to simplicity, fast response, convenience, and low cost. Numerous membranes have been investigated to remove nitrates from aqueous solution. This paper aims to produce selective membrane for detecting nitrate ion based on planar electromagnetic sensors and compare it with conventional coating using acrylic lacquer. The preparation method of membrane in this study will reduce the cost of pretreatment as no addition of nutrients are required, thus presenting a promising alternative method. In view of this, a membrane of polymer dope of silica is selected as an alternative coater for the planar electromagnetic sensors array as to increase the selectivity in the detection of unwanted nitrate ions in aqueous solution. Finally, the methods in choosing the best coater in supporting the detection of nitrate contamination have been determined and it showed that the planar electromagnetic sensors array coated with the selective membrane yields absolute average sensitivity, |Z%| value range between the range of around 0.007 % to 223 %, when tested with nitrate concentrations of 5 ppm, 25 ppm, and 100 ppm, which is the highest absolute average sensitivity, |Z%| value range of the results.