A beryllium-selective microcantilever sensor modified with benzo-9-crown-3 functionalized polymer brushes

Abstract

Benzo-9-crown-3 functionalized polymer brushes were prepared via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization on the gold surface of microcantilevers for the selective detection of Be²⁺. Other metal ions, such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺, have minimal effect on the deflection response of the microcantilevers. The microcantilever sensor exhibits high sensitivity for beryllium ions with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 10⁻¹⁰ M. The mechanism of bending is discussed as well.