Redox Capacitance Sensing for Real-Time Particle Detection Under Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion sensors, such as ion-selective electrodes, suffer from slow response times and thermodynamically limited sensitivities, making real-time continuous monitoring of ions in environments like waste water streams challenging.
Innovation Solution
A technique using continuous and polarisation-tuned redox capacitive sensing at electroactive interfaces, allowing for redox capacitance measurements to be taken at a fixed potential, providing real-time, sensitive, and continuous detection of ions by measuring the redox density of states distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If voltammetric sensing using redox-active receptors is used, then particle sensing capability is achieved, but continuous real-time monitoring is not possible due to complex signal generation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrochemical cycling process of voltammetry with an optical measurement approach. By using redox-active receptors that change optical properties (absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence) upon binding particles, the system achieves continuous monitoring without the complex potential cycling and signal processing required in voltammetric methods. This substitution enables simple, continuous signal generation while maintaining particle sensing capability.
2Measurement precision
If ion-selective electrodes are used, then simple and continuous sensing is achieved, but response time is slow and sensitivity is thermodynamically limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical potential (ion-selective electrodes) to optical properties (absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence). This parameter change enables faster response times because optical measurements can be performed continuously without the slow equilibration processes inherent in ion-selective electrodes. The sensitivity is enhanced by using redox-active receptors with high binding affinities and distinct optical signals that provide amplified detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If redox capacitance measurements are performed at varying potentials (voltammetry), then redox properties are characterized, but temporal resolution of particle concentration changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the redox-active receptors to identify specific optical signatures associated with different redox states and particle binding events. Once characterized, the system monitors these pre-identified optical parameters continuously at fixed potentials, achieving high temporal resolution without the need for continuous potential scanning. This preliminary action enables the system to capture rapid particle concentration changes while maintaining the ability to characterize redox properties.
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
Enables facile, real-time sensing of ions with enhanced sensitivity and temporal resolution, enabling continuous monitoring of ion concentrations in flowing carrier media.
Implementation Method 1
the electrode comprising redox-active receptors capable of binding to the target particles to change the redox capacitance of the electrode
Implementation Method 2
redox capacitance measurements can be carried out continuously and at any chosen individual point of the DOS distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a technique for continuous sensing of particles, such as ions, under flow. The technique involves the use of continuous and polarisation-tuned redox capacitive sensing at suitably designed electroactive interfaces.