Headspace Mercaptan Sensor Using Cobalt Phthalocyanine Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting mercaptans in wine are costly, complex, and often alter the wine due to direct contact, lacking widespread use of electrochemical techniques that can accurately identify these compounds at low concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor using a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with cobalt phthalocyanine and a headspace amperometric method for detecting mercaptans, avoiding direct contact and minimizing interference from non-volatile species.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used for mercaptans in wine, then detection accuracy is improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/chromatographic separation systems with an electrochemical sensing system. The screen-printed carbon electrode with cobalt phthalocyanine modification provides direct electrochemical detection of mercaptans, eliminating the need for complex sample preparation and separation apparatus while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrode surface properties by incorporating cobalt phthalocyanine, which changes the electrochemical parameters of the sensor. This modification enhances the electrode's sensitivity and selectivity towards mercaptans, enabling accurate detection without complex instrumentation.
2Productivity
If direct contact between sensor and wine samples is made, then detection efficiency is improved, but wine sample alteration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a headspace configuration where the sensor detects mercaptans in the gas phase above the wine sample rather than in direct contact with the liquid. The volatile mercaptan compounds transfer to the headspace and are detected by the electrochemical sensor, providing efficient detection without altering the wine sample.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrochemical techniques are used for mercaptan detection, then cost is reduced, but sensitivity to low concentrations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrode structure by modifying the screen-printed carbon electrode with cobalt phthalocyanine. This composite material combines the low-cost advantages of screen-printed electrodes with the high sensitivity and selectivity of cobalt phthalocyanine, achieving both cost-effectiveness and detection sensitivity for trace mercaptans in wine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies cobalt phthalocyanine specifically to the working electrode surface where detection occurs. This localized modification concentrates the sensing functionality at the critical interface, enhancing sensitivity without requiring expensive materials throughout the entire device.
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
Facilitates early, cost-effective, and accurate detection of mercaptans in wine without altering the product, with reduced interference and improved sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
amperometric method for detecting them with that sensor
Implementation Method 2
a headspace method for the detection of mercaptans in wines using the aforementioned sensor
Implementation Method 3
screen-printed carbon electrode modified with cobalt phthalocyanine
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention provides a sensor for the detection of mercaptans in wines, which consists of a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with cobalt phthalocyanine and is specifically designed to detect the organoleptic defect associated with the presence of mercaptans in wines. The sensor enables a simple detection method while avoiding direct contact with the samples to be analysed, thereby facilitating routine and in situ analyses. The purpose of this is to enable early preventive diagnoses at the lowest possible cost.