Porous-Electrode Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor for Full-Area Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical sensors for detecting hydrogen peroxide face challenges such as reduced sensitivity due to limited exposed electrode area, interference from redox-active species like ascorbic acid, and complexity in design, particularly when requiring multiple electrodes and reference solutions.
Innovation Solution
The sensor configuration includes a porous working electrode connected to a back electrode via an electrolytic conductor bridge, allowing the solution to percolate through, enabling full area utilization and eliminating the need for reference solutions, while using the same material for both electrodes to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are exposed to the solution containing the target analyte, then the sensor can perform electrochemical detection, but the sensitivity is reduced due to limited exposed area of the working electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar electrode configuration to a three-dimensional porous electrode structure. The porous working electrode allows the solution to access the electrode material throughout its volume rather than just at the surface, effectively increasing the active sensing area from a two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional network, thereby resolving the contradiction between limited exposed area and reduced sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous working electrode structure that allows the analyte-containing solution to penetrate and interact with the electrode material throughout its porous matrix. This increases the effective surface area available for electrochemical reactions without increasing the external footprint of the electrode, thus improving sensitivity while maintaining a compact design
2Measurement precision
If reference electrodes and internal solutions are used, then the electrochemical detection can be performed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the reference electrode and internal reference solution components from the sensor design. By using a simplified single-electrode configuration where the working electrode itself serves multiple functions, the invention removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through the porous structure that enables direct interaction with the analyte
Solution Approach 2:
The single porous electrode in the invention performs multiple functions that traditionally required separate components: it serves as the working electrode for detection, provides its own reference potential through the electrolyte interface, and eliminates the need for separate reference electrodes and internal solutions, thereby simplifying the overall device design
3Quantity of substance
If redox-active species are present in the solution, then the solution contains relevant analytes, but interference occurs affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized microenvironment within the porous electrode structure. The porous matrix provides localized sites for selective electrochemical reactions, allowing the working electrode to distinguish between different redox-active species based on their specific electrochemical properties, thereby reducing interference while maintaining sensitivity to target analytes
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
This configuration enhances sensitivity, reduces interference, and allows for miniaturization by utilizing the full exposed area for sensing, making it suitable for continuous flow measurements without complex designs.
Implementation Method 1
the front electrode comprises pores permeable to the aqueous solution... so that the aqueous solution can percolate through it and reach the back electrode
Implementation Method 2
the hydrogen peroxide is oxidised as follows: H2O2 → 2H+ O2 + 2e-
Implementation Method 3
electrochemical sensors can be used to detect chemical compounds in a solution (analytes)... any analyte that can be oxidized or reduced is a candidate for this type of detection
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention refers to an electrochemical sensor for determining the presence and/or the concentration of a target analyte in an aqueous solution, comprising: a front electrode comprising pores permeable to the aqueous solution and comprising a sensitive surface to the target analyte; an electrolytic conductor bridge permeable to the aqueous solution; and a back electrode comprising at least a surface and optionally a support. The front electrode and the back electrode are electrically connected via the electrolytic conductor bridge and the front electrode comprises pores above 0.2 pm of equivalent diameter that connect the external surface of the front electrode and the electrolytic conductor bridge. The electrochemical sensor is configured so that the aqueous solution enters in contact with the back electrode through the electrolytic conductor bridge, which in turn enters in contact with the aqueous solution through the pores of the front electrode. The electrochemical sensor further comprises means for determining the difference in the electrochemical state between the front electrode and the back electrode; and the determination of such difference in the electrochemical state indicates the target analyte presence and/or concentration in the aqueous solution.