humic substances (HS) and Cu2+ ions has been investigated using UV–vis spectroscopy
and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both HS and Cu2+ are able to dope POEA and change
film morphology. This interaction was exploited in a sensor array made with nanostructured
films of POEA, sulfonated lignin and HS, which could detect small concentrations of HS and
Cu2+ in water.