Multiplex Electrodes for Water Analyte Detection

The patent divides the detection task into multiple independent electrochemical measurements at different potentials. Instead of using a single CSV measurement, the system performs multiple differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) scans at different holding potentials (e.g., -0.2V, -0.4V, -0.6V vs Ag/AgCl), effectively segmenting the detection process to capture different electrochemical behaviors of various metal ions, thereby distinguishing Mn2+ from interfering ions.

The patent changes multiple electrochemical parameters simultaneously including holding potential, pulse amplitude, pulse width, and measurement timing. By varying these parameters across multiple measurements, the system creates a distinctive electrochemical fingerprint for each metal ion type, enabling reliable identification and quantification of Mn2+ even in the presence of interfering ions like Fe2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+.

The patent uses unmodified, commercially available electrodes that rely on the inherent electrochemical properties of the metal ions themselves rather than requiring surface modification. The system allows the electrodes to serve their basic function of electron transfer while the sophisticated data processing and pattern recognition algorithms perform the selectivity function, eliminating the stability and reproducibility issues associated with modified electrode materials.

The patent replaces the physical/chemical modification approach (mechanical system of coating electrodes with selective materials) with an electrochemical and computational approach. Instead of modifying the electrode surface physically, the system uses electrochemical parameter variation and computational pattern recognition to achieve selectivity, thereby maintaining electrode stability and reproducibility.

The patent introduces an intermediary electrochemical measurement system that bridges the gap between simple field tests and complex laboratory analysis. The portable electrochemical analyzer with multiple DPV measurements serves as an intermediary device that provides laboratory-grade accuracy for Mn2+ detection while maintaining the portability and speed needed for field monitoring in drinking water distribution systems.

The patent creates a universal detection platform that can identify and quantify multiple metal ions (Mn2+, Fe2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Ni2+) simultaneously using the same electrochemical approach. This multi-functional system eliminates the need for separate specialized analyses for each metal, improving overall monitoring efficiency while maintaining accurate determination of each analyte.