Electrochemical Oxygen Sensor Chelating Agent Response Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrochemical oxygen sensors without lead in the anode exhibit low response speed compared to those using lead, which is a limitation in detecting varying oxygen gas concentrations efficiently.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a chelating agent into the electrolyte solution of the electrochemical oxygen sensor, specifically with a tin anode and a pH range of 12 to 14, enhances the response speed by preventing reaction inhibition and maintaining performance over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If lead is used for the anode, then the response speed is high, but the environmental impact is negative

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A chelating agent is introduced as an intermediary substance in the electrolyte solution to bind with lead ions, preventing them from adhering to the anode surface and forming inhibitory layers. This mediator allows the system to maintain high response speed characteristics while eliminating the harmful environmental effects of lead accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The chemical composition of the electrolyte solution is changed by adding a chelating agent, which fundamentally alters the interaction between lead ions and the anode surface. This parameter change transforms the system from one where lead causes harmful effects to one where lead is benignly complexed in the electrolyte.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If no lead is used for the anode, then the environmental impact is reduced, but the response speed is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The chelating agent acts as a mediator that creates a beneficial interaction in the electrolyte solution, generating a protective layer or enhancing ionic conductivity that compensates for the absence of lead, thereby maintaining high response speed without environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the chemical parameters of the electrolyte solution through chelating agent addition, the system achieves response speed characteristics previously only attainable with lead, thus eliminating the trade-off between environmental safety and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If a chelating agent is added to the electrolyte solution, then the response speed increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidelectrolyte solution composition
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The addition of a chelating agent represents a relatively simple parameter change in the electrolyte solution composition. The chelating agent can be dissolved directly into the existing electrolyte, requiring minimal modification to the overall device structure or manufacturing process, thus achieving high response speed with limited increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 use of a chelating agent in the electrolyte solution significantly increases the response speed of the oxygen sensor, achieving performance comparable to sensors with lead anodes while maintaining low environmental impact and stability.

Implementation Method 1

the electrolyte solution contains a chelating agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChelation:

Implementation Method 2

oxygen brought into contact with the surface of the cathode is electrochemically reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reduction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

the current generated by electrochemical reduction of oxygen on the cathode is converted to a voltage at the resistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's law: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP2219024B1Electrochemical oxygen sensor
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 GS YUASA INT LTD
  • EP2219024B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention provides an electrochemical oxygen sensor including a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte solution, wherein the electrolyte solution contains a chelating agent. Since the electrolyte solution in the electrochemical oxygen sensor of the invention contains the chelating agent, the speed of response can be increased. In the invention, the provision of an anode of tin is preferred from the viewpoints of low cost, a low environmental load, and a low susceptibility to liquid leakage. In the invention, the concentration of the chelating agent in the electrolyte solution is preferably not less than 0.005 mol/liter because response speed characteristics are less likely to lower.