Simple, Rapid, and Highly Sensitive Colorimetric Sensor Strips from a Porous Cellulose Membrane Stained with Victoria Blue B for Efficient Detection of Trace Cd(II) in Water

Abstract

Compared with traditional filter paper, a high-purity cellulose membrane prepared via a green pathway was used to enhance detection performance for cadmium ions. In this work, a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive cellulose membrane-based colorimetric sensor strip (CCSS) for efficient detection of trace Cd(II) in water has been designed. The cellulose membrane (CM) was prepared by a tape casting method. Victoria blue B (VBB) was used as an indicator and was bound in the CM matrix through intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The morphology, structure, and properties of CM and CCSS were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and BET. The detection and anti-interference performance of CCSS for cadmium ions were investigated. In addition, the design and chromogenic reaction mechanism of CCSS were also studied. The results showed that CCSS was successfully prepared. The specific surface area, pore volume, and pore size of CCSS were decreased after VBB loading. The color of the CCSS changed from yellow to blue-green after cadmium ions were added. The limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 0.01 mg L–1 with the naked eye, and the fast response time of the strip for Cd(II) was 1 min. The CCSS was successfully applied to real water samples with strong anti-interference ability.