Pseudo-Graphite Electrode for pH Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pH-measuring electrodes are costly and have low performance, with their performance often reduced by fouling and environmental interferences.

Innovation Solution

A method involving coating a pseudo-graphite material onto an electrode substrate, modifying the pseudo-graphite surface with oxygen-based chemistries through in-situ oxidation, and using techniques like square wave voltammetry or open circuit potential for enhanced pH measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pH-measuring electrodes are used, then pH measurement capability is provided, but cost is high and performance is low with fouling and environmental interferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode performanceVSAvoidfouling and environmental interferences

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a pseudo-graphite electrode that can be easily replaced and is less susceptible to fouling. The electrode design allows for disposable or easy replacement to maintain measurement reliability without requiring complex maintenance or cleaning procedures, directly addressing the performance degradation issues of conventional electrodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the electrode surface properties by applying a pseudo-graphite coating and controlling its oxidation state. This changes the surface chemistry parameters to reduce fouling and improve resistance to environmental interferences, thereby enhancing measurement reliability while maintaining cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If pseudo-graphite material is coated onto electrode substrate and modified with oxygen-based chemistries, then corrosion resistance and heterogeneous electron transfer are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pseudo-graphite coating and oxygen-based chemistry modification during the electrode manufacturing process before deployment. This preliminary action ensures corrosion resistance and optimal electron transfer properties are built-in from the start, eliminating the need for complex post-manufacturing treatments or maintenance procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite pseudo-graphite material with controlled oxygen-based chemistries to achieve both corrosion resistance and improved electron transfer. This composite approach consolidates multiple functions into a single material layer, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while enhancing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If pseudo-graphite surface is modified with electrochemically sensitive chemistry, then sensing property is altered to enhance pH measurement, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepH sensing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates electrochemically sensitive chemistry modification during the electrode fabrication process. This preliminary functionalization ensures optimal pH sensing properties are achieved before the electrode is deployed, eliminating the need for complex post-manufacturing calibration or treatment steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the oxidation state and surface chemistry parameters of the pseudo-graphite during manufacturing to optimize pH sensing performance. By adjusting these parameters during production, the electrode achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex operational procedures or maintenance

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 pseudo-graphite electrodes demonstrate improved corrosion resistance and heterogeneous electron transfer, offering robust and interference-free pH sensing across a wide range with high sensitivity and durability.

Implementation Method 1

The method may include attaching the oxygen-based chemicals through in-situ oxidation. The method may include applying an oxidizing electrical potential to the pseudo-graphite surface.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

The pseudo-graphite may have fast heterogeneous electron transfer at a basal plane. The method may include measuring pH with the electrode through at least one of square wave voltammetry or sweep voltammetry.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS11327046B2PH sensing using pseudo-graphite

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

Methods, electrodes, and sensors for pH sensing using pseudo-graphite are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a method may include coating a pseudo-graphite material onto a surface of an electrode substrate to produce a pseudo-graphite surface. The method may also include exposing the pseudo-graphite surface to a sample to measure a pH of the sample.