Univocal Demonstration of the Electrochemically Mediated Binding of Pb²⁺ by a Modified Surface Incorporating a TTF-Based Redox-Switchable Ligand

Abstract

A tetrathiafulvalene-based redox-switchable ligand with unprecedented electrochemical recognition properties for a metallic cation is described and is chemically immobilized onto a solid surface. The recognition properties for Pb2+ are maintained at the solid-liquid interface. Evidence of the modulation of the binding affinity of the modified surface, as a function of the potential applied, is given by EQCM analyses and by direct measurements of residual Pb2+ concentration in solution by atomic absorption.