Voltage-Sensitive Chromophore Monolayer for Liquid Characterization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining solid-liquid interface electrical field intensities and liquid characteristics are either expensive and damaging to samples or restricted to small areas and long scanning times, limiting their versatility and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a surface with a reactive carbocyclic aromatic linking group covalently attached, where a voltage sensitive chromophore precursor is conjugatively linked to form a monolayer, and by comparing fluorescence emission spectra of the bound chromophore with a solution chromophore, allowing for the determination of interfacial electric field intensities and liquid characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If streaming potential method is used to determine surface potentials, then measurement capability is provided, but equipment cost increases and sample damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface potential measurementVSAvoidsample damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical streaming potential measurement system with an optical measurement system using voltage-sensitive dyes. The fluorescence emission spectrum of the dye responds to interfacial electric field intensity, eliminating the need for complex electrical equipment and preventing sample damage associated with electrical measurement methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a voltage-sensitive dye as an intermediary between the interfacial electric field and the measurement device. The dye absorbs actinic radiation and its fluorescence emission spectrum shifts in response to the electric field intensity, serving as a non-invasive mediator that translates electrical field information into optical signals without damaging the sample.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If atomic force microscopy is used for surface potential measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement area is restricted and scanning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface potential measurementVSAvoidmeasurement speed and area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a measurement system with universal applicability to large surfaces by using optical imaging techniques. The fluorescence emission spectrum measurement can cover extensive areas simultaneously through optical fields, unlike the point-by-point scanning of atomic force microscopy, thereby increasing measurement productivity without sacrificing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used for liquid characterization, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid characteristic determinationVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive voltage-sensitive dyes that can be easily prepared and applied as monolayers on surfaces. These dyes serve as disposable or reusable sensing elements that eliminate the need for complex, expensive measurement equipment, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This method provides a non-destructive, versatile, and efficient way to measure interfacial electric field intensities and characterize liquids, overcoming the limitations of existing techniques by enabling large-area measurements without complex equipment or sample damage.

Implementation Method 1

What are considered 'fast' VSD's do not depend on partitioning and instead respond to the electric field directly via the Stark effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStark effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

irradiating the monolayer of the covalently bound voltage sensitive chromophore with actinic radiation while it is in contact with the liquid and measuring a first fluorescence emission spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS10054544B2Method for characterizing a liquid

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

A characteristic of a liquid is measured by providing a surface having a monolayer of a voltage sensitive chromophore that is covalently bound to the surface. The liquid is brought into contact with the surface and it is irradiated with actinic radiation to measure a first fluorescence emission spectrum. A solution of the voltage sensitive chromophore dissolved in a sample of the liquid is also irradiated with actinic radiation and a second fluorescence emission spectrum is measured. The first and second fluorescence emission spectra are compared to determine the characteristic of the liquid.