CHAPTER 6: Calixpyrrole: From Fundamental Studies to the Development of Ion Selective Electrodes

This chapter is intended to demonstrate the potential applications of calixpyrrole receptors for the development of monitoring systems. In doing so the authors present (i) an overview of calixpyrroles and derivatives, (ii) an outline on the role of thermodynamics in defining selectivity and (iii) representative examples of the need for fundamental studies regarding the selection of receptors and other components of ion selective membranes. Recent advances are critically discussed and the future of the technology and foreseeable applications are considered, along with the fundamental concepts and methods required to improve selectivity and thus applicability of the devices for real-world implementation. Alternative calixpyrrole-incorporated detection methods are also reviewed.