Deferoxamine–paper for iron(III) and vanadium(V) sensing

The development of a sensor based on the functionalization of common filter paper with deferoxamine (DFO) is proposed with the prospect to produce a solid phase for iron(III) and vanadium(V) sensing. The main features of this sensor are the simplicity of operation, good sensitivity and feasible applicability to real samples without the need of pre-treatment procedures. DFO was selected not only for it is easily anchored to the solid support, but also because it forms colored complexes with iron(III) and vanadium(V); hence, the developing of a simple colorimetric sensor can be considered. In particular, an innovative and economic way to perform colorimetric measurements using a desktop scanner is described. A complete characterization of the functionalized material is also reported.