The development of an ion-selective chemosensor for Cd2+ allows generation of a "real-time" sensor, Immobilization of the chemosensor on quartz was achieved in a simple monolayer and in a thin film using a polymer intermediary. As intended, the thin film contains much more chemosensor than the monolayer and provides measurable responses to aqueous Cd2+ concentrations below 1 mu M. Alkali and alkaline earth ions do not interfere with Cd2+ sensing; Zn2+ and Cu2+ are potential interferents.