Non-Enzymatic Sensor Element With Ionic Liquid Selective Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-enzymatic sensors lack selectivity when sensing samples containing various substances due to catalysts that catalyze multiple substances, leading to interference and inaccurate detection.

Innovation Solution

A non-enzymatic sensor element with a selective layer containing an ionic liquid with high affinity for a specific target analyte, allowing only the target analyte to pass through and react with the catalyst, while excluding interference from other substances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-enzymatic sensors use metal or conductive polymer as catalyst, then stability and processability are improved, but selectivity deteriorates because catalysts can catalyze various substances

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidselectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing element is divided into three functional layers: conductive layer, catalyst layer, and selective layer. Each layer performs a specific function, with the selective layer containing ionic liquid that selectively binds to the target analyte, allowing only the target substance to reach the catalyst layer for oxidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ionic liquid in the selective layer acts as an intermediary between the sample and the catalyst. It selectively interacts with the target analyte through host-guest inclusion complexes, facilitating selective transport while blocking other substances from reaching the catalyst layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If non-enzymatic sensors use metal or conductive polymer as catalyst, then manufacturing ease is improved, but selectivity deteriorates due to broad catalytic activity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprocessabilityVSAvoidselectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing element uses a composite structure combining conductive polymer (for electrical conductivity and ease of manufacturing), metal catalyst (for catalytic activity), and ionic liquid (for selectivity). This composite approach maintains manufacturing advantages while adding selective recognition capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If catalysts catalyze various substances, then detection range is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from multiple substances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidselectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different layers have different local qualities: the conductive layer provides electrical conductivity, the catalyst layer provides broad catalytic activity for detection range, and the selective layer with ionic liquid provides specific recognition for selectivity. Each layer's local property contributes to the overall sensor performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 sensor achieves selective detection of specific target analytes by generating a single signal, excluding interference, maintaining stability, and providing a wide detection range.

Implementation Method 1

The selective layer is connected to the catalyst layer and includes an ionic liquid having a high affinity with the target analyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHost-guest inclusion complex formation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The catalyst layer is connected to the conductive layer and includes a catalyst for oxidizing the target analyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS12455275B2Non-enzymatic sensor element with selectivity and non-enzymatic sensor

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A non-enzymatic sensor element with selectivity is used to sense a concentration of a target analyte and includes a substrate and an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is connected to the substrate and includes a working electrode, a reference electrode and an auxiliary electrode. The working electrode includes a conductive layer, a catalyst layer and a selective layer. The conductive layer is connected to the substrate. The catalyst layer is connected to the conductive layer and includes a catalyst for oxidizing the target analyte. The selective layer is connected to the catalyst layer and includes an ionic liquid having a high affinity with the target analyte. The target analyte passes through the selective layer and contacts with the catalyst layer, and the target analyte is oxidized by the catalyst.