Dual Colorimetric Sensor Arrays for Simultaneous Volatile and Non-Volatile Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional colorimetric sensors lack the capability to simultaneously detect and differentiate between the volatile and non-volatile parts of an analyte, limiting their effectiveness in chemical monitoring applications.
Innovation Solution
A chemical sensor comprising a substrate with two colorimetric sensor arrays, where the first array is exposed to both volatile and non-volatile parts of the analyte, changing color to indicate their presence, and the second array, isolated from liquid molecules, detects only the volatile part, allowing for simultaneous analysis of both components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single colorimetric sensor array is used to detect analyte, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot differentiate between volatile and non-volatile parts of the analyte
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into two separate colorimetric sensor arrays: a first array exposed to both volatile and non-volatile parts, and a second array isolated from liquid molecules to detect only volatile parts. This segmentation allows differentiation of analyte components while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
An isolating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the second colorimetric sensor array and the liquid analyte. This layer selectively blocks liquid molecules while permitting gas molecules to pass through, enabling the second array to detect only volatile components without direct liquid contact
2Measurement precision
If the second colorimetric sensor array is exposed to liquid analyte, then it can detect all components, but it cannot selectively detect only volatile part
Solution Approach 1:
The isolating layer is applied specifically to the second accommodating space, creating a localized selective barrier. This allows the second array to have specialized selectivity for volatile components, while the first array remains universally exposed to all analyte components, optimizing each array's detection function
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
Enables the simultaneous detection and differentiation of volatile and non-volatile parts of an analyte, enhancing the accuracy and information obtained from chemical monitoring, akin to simulating human olfactory and taste systems.
Implementation Method 1
the second accommodating space is covered with an isolating layer which isolates liquid molecules but allows gas molecules to pass through
Implementation Method 2
the first colorimetric sensor array changes from a first initial color to a first indicating color according to a volatile part and a non-volatile part of an analyte
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a chemical sensor comprising a substrate, a first colorimetric sensor array exposed and arranged in a first accommodating space of the substrate and a second colorimetric sensor array arranged in a second accommodating space of the substrate. The second accommodating space is covered with an isolating layer to isolates liquid molecules but allows gas molecules to pass through. The first colorimetric sensor array changes from a first initial color to a first indicating color according to a volatile part and a non-volatile part of an analyte, and the second colorimetric sensor array changes from a second initial color to a second indicating color according to the volatile part of the analyte, so that information of the volatile part and the non-volatile part of the analyte can be obtained simultaneously.