LCR Sensor with Coordination Compound for Selective Vapor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical and biological sensors face challenges in accurately detecting multiple vapors and vapor mixtures, especially in high humidity environments or when one vapor is present at much higher concentrations than others, due to limited selectivity and interference from environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A resonant inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) sensor coated with a coordination compound of a ligand and a metal nanoparticle, such as gold, silver, or palladium, which allows for selective detection of multiple analytes by measuring impedance spectra and applying multivariate analysis to distinguish between different vapors and vapor mixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a sensor array includes multiple identical sensors to simplify fabrication, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the sensing capability is limited to detecting only a single response type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a sensor array where each sensor can respond to multiple stimulus types through different transduction mechanisms. The array includes sensors with different response types (resistance, capacitance, frequency, mass, optical properties) that can all be fabricated using similar processes, allowing the system to detect multiple analyte types while maintaining fabrication simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensing function across multiple sensors with different transduction mechanisms. Instead of making each sensor universal, the system divides the detection task among specialized sensors (resistive, capacitive, piezoelectric, optical, etc.), where each segment handles specific types of analytes or response modes, collectively providing broad sensing capability.
2Reliability
If traditional sensors are used in high humidity environments, then sensor operation is maintained, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to interference from water vapor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces selective sensing materials and transduction mechanisms that act as intermediaries between the analyte and the sensor response. These materials are designed to be selective toward target analytes while being less responsive to water vapor, effectively filtering out the interfering humidity signal while allowing target analyte detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different sensing materials with specific selectivity properties at different locations in the sensor array. Each sensor or sensing element is tailored with materials that have different selectivity characteristics, allowing the system to detect target analytes even in the presence of high humidity by combining responses from elements with varying selectivity profiles.
3Quantity of substance
If one vapor is present at much higher concentration than others, then the dominant vapor can be easily detected, but detection of trace vapors becomes difficult due to signal masking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimension detection to multi-dimensional sensing by incorporating sensors that respond to different physical and chemical properties (mass, charge, polarity, optical characteristics). This dimensional expansion allows the system to distinguish trace vapors from dominant vapors by analyzing responses across multiple dimensions, effectively separating signals that would otherwise be masked in a single-detection-mode system.
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 solution enables the detection of at least six different analytes from a mixture with improved stability and selectivity, even in high humidity or when interferents are present, by utilizing a single sensor that can differentiate between various vapors and their mixtures based on changes in dielectric, resistance, and swelling properties.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing material disposed over the LCR circuit. The sensing material includes a coordination compound of a ligand and a metal nanoparticle
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and sensors for selective fluid sensing are provided. A sensor includes a resonant inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) circuit and a sensing material disposed over the LCR circuit. The sensing material includes a coordination compound of a ligand and a metal nanoparticle. The coordination compound has the formula: (X)n-M, where X includes an alkylamine group having the formula (R—NH2), an alkylphosphine having the formula (R3—P), an alkylphosphine oxide having the formula (R3P═O), an alkyldithiocarbamate having the formula (R2NCS2), an alkylxanthate having the formula (ROCS2), or any combination thereof, R includes an alkyl group, n is 1, 2, or 3, and M includes the metal nanoparticle of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, alloys thereof, highly conductive metal nanoparticles, or any combination thereof. The sensing material is configured to allow selective detection of at least six different analyte fluids from an analyzed fluid mixture.