Amperometric Gas Sensor Vacuum Operation Solid Polymer Electrolyte
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current amperometric gas sensors are not suitable for use in vacuum environments due to their reliance on liquid-based electrolytes or hydration-dependent ionic conductivity, which evaporate in vacuum conditions, and fail to maintain mechanical strength and ionic conductivity simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An amperometric gas sensor using a solid support made from ionically and electrically non-conductive polymers with a working and reference electrode, where the analyte acts as a dopant to increase electrical conductivity, allowing the sensor to function as an electrochemical cell in vacuum conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid-based electrolytes are used in electrochemical sensors, then ionic conductivity is achieved, but the sensor cannot function in vacuum environments due to evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid polymer form, which eliminates evaporation while maintaining ionic conductivity through alternative mechanisms (ion hopping or vehicle mechanisms) that do not require liquid phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite polymer electrolyte materials combining different polymer components to achieve both mechanical strength for vacuum stability and sufficient ionic conductivity for sensor operation, creating a material that satisfies multiple conflicting requirements
2Strength
If solid polymer electrolytes are used, then mechanical strength is maintained, but ionic conductivity is insufficient without hydration or salt addition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition and structure of the polymer electrolyte by incorporating specific functional groups, cross-linking agents, or plasticizers that enable ion transport through solid polymer matrices without requiring liquid water or salt additives, thus maintaining both mechanical integrity and ionic conductivity
3Reliability
If salt-containing polymers are formed to increase ionic conductivity, then conductivity improves, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite polymer structures where conductive fillers or ion-conducting additives are dispersed within a mechanically robust polymer matrix, achieving enhanced ionic conductivity while the matrix maintains structural integrity and mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates regions of high ionic conductivity within the polymer structure (such as ion channels or conductive pathways) while the bulk material maintains mechanical strength, allowing different parts of the material to optimize for different functions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sensor effectively measures hydrogen peroxide concentration in vacuum environments, maintaining mechanical strength and ionic conductivity, enabling reliable sterilization processes in medical and dental facilities.
Implementation Method 1
the analyte is a dopant which when diffused in the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support
Implementation Method 2
a solid support configured for diffusion of the analyte therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor (10) for measuring the concentration of an analyte, such as hydrogen peroxide, comprising: a solid support (22); and a working electrode (24A) in contact with the solid support (22); wherein the analyte when in contact with the solid support (22) increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. More particularly, the solid support (22) is made of a electroactive polymeric material, such as a poly (ethylene oxide) polymer complexed with LiSbF6. The monitoring of a sterilization process, such as the disinfection of medical devices, employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed.