Inorganic-Electrode Ion Sensor for Consistent Multi-Sensor Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ion sensors exhibit variations in measurement results when multiple sensors are used, making it difficult to distinguish whether the variation is due to ion concentration or sensor variability.
Innovation Solution
A current measurement type ion sensor with a specific structure comprising a first electrode, an organic phase retaining layer, and a second electrode, where the electrodes are connected to a voltage application and current measuring unit, allowing for consistent measurement by moving target ions between the electrodes and measuring the resulting current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional ion sensor with a conductive polymer film is used, then the electrode potential can be fixed in the organic phase, but the measurement results vary among multiple ion sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the electrode from conductive polymer to inorganic compound (such as metal oxide or semiconductor), which fundamentally alters the electrode's electrical properties and ion interaction characteristics, leading to more consistent measurement results across multiple sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures where the inorganic compound electrode is combined with the organic phase retaining layer containing ionophores, creating a hybrid system that leverages the stability of inorganic materials and the ion-selective properties of organic compounds to achieve both reliability and precision
2Productivity
If multiple ion sensors are used for measurement, then more samples can be measured, but it becomes difficult to distinguish whether variation is due to ion concentration or sensor variability
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the electrode material to inorganic compounds with more stable and predictable electrical characteristics, the patent reduces sensor-to-sensor variability, allowing multiple sensors to be used simultaneously without compromising data interpretation accuracy
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 ion sensor provides consistent measurement results across multiple sensors by minimizing variations, enabling accurate and reliable ion detection without the need for calibration.
Implementation Method 1
an organic phase retaining layer containing an organic phase capable of forming an interface with a sample containing a target ion
Implementation Method 2
moving the target ion contained in the sample to the organic phase by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 3
measuring a current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The ion sensor of the present invention is a current measurement type ion sensor that measures a current to measure a target ion, and includes an organic phase retaining layer containing an organic phase capable of forming an interface with the sample containing the target ion, a first electrode to which the organic phase retaining layer is laminated and containing a first insertion material composed of an inorganic compound, a second electrode arranged so as to face the organic phase holding layer and in contact with the sample.