Electrolyte Concentration Chip Layout to Block Chloride Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The diffusion of chloride ions from the reference electrode to the working electrode during measurement affects the accuracy of potentiometric measurements in microanalytical chips, as the chloride ions dissolve and recrystallize around the working electrode, leading to an elevated electrolyte concentration and reduced measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
The analytical device features a hydrophilic or porous channel region enclosed by a hydrophobic channel wall, with the reference electrode and working electrode separated by a channel wall, allowing for independent conditioning and specimen introduction to stabilize the potential difference between the electrodes without direct electrical connection during measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reference electrode and working electrode are connected by a channel for electrical connection during measurement, then the measurement function is enabled, but chloride ions from the reference electrode dissolve and diffuse to the working electrode region, affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The channel region is divided into a first channel region containing the reference electrode and a second channel region containing the working electrode, separated by a channel wall. This segmentation prevents chloride ions from the reference electrode from diffusing to the working electrode region, while still allowing electrical connection through the specimen introduced into the channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen acts as an intermediary medium that electrically connects the reference electrode and working electrode without allowing direct diffusion of chloride ions. The specimen introduces ions that enable electrical connection while maintaining separation between the electrode regions.
2Reliability
If the reference electrode is conditioned with a conditioning solution before measurement, then the potential stability is improved, but the conditioning solution and dissolved ionic crystal may diffuse to the working electrode region and recrystallize, elevating electrolyte concentration and reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is segmented into separate regions for the reference electrode and working electrode, allowing independent conditioning of the reference electrode without affecting the working electrode region. The channel wall prevents backflow of conditioning solution and recrystallized salts to the working electrode area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the channel have different functions: the first channel region is optimized for reference electrode conditioning and stabilization, while the second channel region maintains purity for accurate working electrode measurement. Each region has localized properties suited to its specific 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
This configuration prevents the backflow of chloride ions and conditioning solution to the working electrode, maintaining accurate electrolyte concentration measurements by stabilizing the potential difference between the electrodes, thus enhancing measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophilic or porous channel region enclosed by a hydrophobic channel wall provided in an inside of or on a substrate
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophilic or porous channel region enclosed by a hydrophobic channel wall
Data Source
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AI summary
During electrode conditioning and potentiometric ion concentration measurements, Cl ionic crystal arranged to stabilize the potential of the reference electrode flows back to the working electrode and affect the potential at the working electrode. Provided is an analytical device having a hydrophilic or porous channel region enclosed by a hydrophobic channel wall disposed in an inside of or on a substrate, wherein the analytical device has a first channel region and a working electrode, wherein the first channel region has a reference electrode disposed on the substrate and the working electrode is located outside the first channel region.