Hydrophilic Carbon Electrode Surface for Higher Measurement Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional carbon electrodes do not provide sufficient sensitivity to the objects being measured.

Innovation Solution

The electrode is designed with a conductive carbon layer having a water contact angle of 80 degrees or less, incorporating a metal underlying layer between the substrate film and the conductive carbon layer, enhancing sensitivity through a nitrogen plasma treatment to introduce nitrogen and improve hydrophilicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional carbon electrode structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the sensitivity to the object to be measured is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a conductive carbon layer with specifically controlled surface properties (water contact angle of 80 degrees or less) while maintaining a simple overall electrode structure. The surface treatment is localized to achieve the desired sensitivity without complicating the entire device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface parameter of the conductive carbon layer by controlling the water contact angle to be 80 degrees or less. This parameter change improves sensitivity to the object to be measured while maintaining the simplicity of the electrode structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the water contact angle of the conductive carbon layer is not controlled, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the sensitivity to the object to be measured is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidsurface treatment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a particular parameter range for the water contact angle (80 degrees or less) of the conductive carbon layer surface. This parameter control enhances sensitivity while the patent implies this can be achieved through standard surface treatment methods, maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 electrode achieves excellent sensitivity to the measured objects by ensuring the conductive carbon layer's surface spreads the target liquid effectively, improving reaction efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a metal underlying layer between the substrate film and the conductive carbon layer, enhancing sensitivity through a nitrogen plasma treatment to introduce nitrogen and improve hydrophilicity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma treatment: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

enhancing sensitivity through a nitrogen plasma treatment to introduce nitrogen and improve hydrophilicity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilicity: Hydrophile

Implementation Method 3

The water contact angle of the one-side surface of the conductive carbon layer in the thickness direction is 80 degrees or less

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Data Source

PatentUS20260043766A1Electrode and electrochemical measurement system

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 NITTO DENKO CORP

AI summary

An electrode includes a substrate film and a conductive carbon layer in order toward one side in a thickness direction. A one-side surface of the conductive carbon layer in the thickness direction has a water contact angle of 80 degrees or less.