Rutherford backscattering spectrometry investigations of chemical sensors for the detection of metals: application to calixarene and functionalized cottons

The detection of metals by electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS)-type s ensors involving p-tert-butyl calixarene layers and the trapping of dyes by modified cotton films have been studied by Rutherford Backscattering Spect rometry (RBS). According to the cage size, the absorption of Ag and Fe spec ies was analyzed by RES for calix[10] and calix[12]arene layers. The use of a simulation code allowed an evaluation of Na+ concentration detected by c alix[4]arene membranes and revealed an inhomogeneous deposition of the evap orated layer, confirmed by AFM observations. First results on the adsorptio n of Cr and Mn containing dyes by cationized cotton films are reported. Opp ortunities and Limits of the RES analysis are discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.