Efficient immobilization of a cadmium chemosensor in a thin film: generation of a cadmium sensor prototype.

[reaction: see text] The development of an ion-selective chemosensor for Cd(2+) allows generation of a "real-time" sensor. Immobilization of the chemosensor on quartz was achieved in a simple monolayer and in a thin film using a polymer intermediary. As intended, the thin film contains much more chemosensor than the monolayer and provides measurable responses to aqueous Cd(2+) concentrations below 1 microM. Alkali and alkaline earth ions do not interfere with Cd(2+) sensing; Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) are potential interferents.