Electrochemical detection of gas phase chemicals
| DWPI Title: Electrochemical sensor for sensing method, has working nanoelectrodes arranged in array and interconnected in parallel, counter electrode structure, and nanoporous body that is layer of anodized aluminum oxide perforated with array |
| Abstract: We provide an electrochemical sensor in which working microelectrodes are arranged in an array and interconnected in parallel. The working electrodes are arranged so that in use, they are electrochemically coupled to a counter electrode structure through an electrolyte. The sensor also includes a microporous body arranged so that in use, it is situated at a boundary between a gaseous environment and the electrolyte. In another aspect, we provide a method of sensing in which a sample of gas is admitted to a liquid electrolyte maintained by pores of a porous substrate. A voltage is applied to the liquid electrolyte, and an electrical response to the applied voltage is observed, thereby to detect electrochemical evidence of an analyte within the liquid electrolyte. |
| Use: The electrochemical sensor is useful for sensing method (claimed) for detecting iodide. |
| Advantage: New approaches are provided to electrochemical sensing that increase sensitivity while minimizing false positive responses. The new approaches are both more sensitive and more selective for target analytes. The new sensing techniques can be practiced from relatively great distances where analyte concentrations are low out of concern, for example, for personnel safety. Providing real-time detection and analysis of such gas species can greatly benefit the health and security of the general population, improve the safety of first responders, and enhance the monitoring of manufacturing processes. |
| Novelty: Electrochemical sensor comprises working nanoelectrodes arranged in an array and interconnected in parallel; a counter electrode structure; and a nanoporous body. The counter electrode structure or a further electrode structure is configured to serve as a reference electrode; portion of the nanoporous body is configured to be exposed to a gaseous environment; portion of the nanoporous body is configured to contain an electrolyte, a boundary between the gaseous environment and the electrolyte being situated within or adjacent to the nanoporous body; the working nanoelectrodes are configured to be electrochemically coupled to the counter electrode structure through the electrolyte; and the nanoporous body is a layer of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) perforated with an array of mutually parallel nanopores extending from a front face to a back face. |
| Filed: 9/17/2019 |
| Application Number: US16572978A |
| Tech ID: SD 13705.1 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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