Nanoporous Neural Electrode Coating for Low-Impedance Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neural electrodes face challenges in accurately recording neural signals due to high impedance and limited charge storage capacity, necessitating a reduction in electrode size to the scale of nerve cells.
Innovation Solution
A neural electrode manufacturing method involving a nano-porous structure with a gold nano-structure and selective formation of lower and upper nano-particles, including a passivation layer, to enhance surface area and reduce impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the size of the electrode is reduced to the size of a nerve cell (about 10 μm), then the ability to record neural signals from individual nerve cells is improved, but the impedance increases and charge storage capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by forming a nano-porous structure on the electrode surface through selective removal of silver nano-particles from a gold-silver alloy layer. This porous structure dramatically increases the surface area of the micro-electrode, thereby improving charge storage capacity and reducing impedance while maintaining the small size needed for single nerve cell recording
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by initially forming a gold-silver alloy nano-porous structure, where the combination of gold and silver provides both structural integrity and electrochemical properties. The subsequent coating with iridium oxide creates a composite structure that combines the advantages of different materials for optimal neural signal recording performance
2Reliability
If the surface area of the electrode is increased to reduce impedance and improve charge storage capacity, then the electrical characteristics are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the porosity, surface area, and material composition parameters during the electrode fabrication process. By adjusting these parameters, the electrode achieves high charge storage capacity and low impedance without requiring overly complex structures, balancing performance with manufacturability
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 method significantly reduces impedance and increases charge storage capacity, improving the electrical characteristics of the neural electrode.
Implementation Method 1
selectively removing the silver nano-structure
Implementation Method 2
electro-depositing gold nano-particles
Implementation Method 3
electro-depositing an iridium nano-particle layer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a neural electrode for measuring a neural signal and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes forming a bottom electrode on a substrate, forming a passivation layer exposing a portion of the bottom electrode, forming a metal layer including a gold nano-structure and a silver nano-structure on the bottom electrode, selectively forming the gold nano-structure having porosity by selectively removing the silver nano-structure, forming lower nano-particles on an inner sidewall of the gold nano-structure, and forming an upper nano-coating layer on the lower nano-particles and the inner sidewall of the gold nano-structure.