Optical mesosensors for monitoring and removal of ultra-trace concentration of Zn(II) and Cu(II) ions from water

El-Safty, S. A.*; Shenashen, M. A.*; Ismael, M.*; Khairy, M.*; Awual, M. R.

Optical captor design is necessary for the controlled development of a technique for detecting and removing heavy and toxic metals from drinking water with high flexibility and low capital cost. We designed chemical mesocaptors for optical separation/extraction and monitoring/detection of Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions from water even at trace concentration levels without a preconcentration process. Theoretical models have been developed to provide insights into the effect of active site surfaces on the enhancement of the optical removal process in terms of long-term stability, reversibility, and selectivity, hence allowing us to understand the role of mesoscopic geometry and nanoscale pore orientation of mesocaptors better.