Redox Sensor Metal Nanowire Oxide Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reduction-oxidation sensor devices have low sensitivity and a narrow sensing range, limiting their effectiveness in detecting reduction-oxidation reactions.
Innovation Solution
A reduction-oxidation sensor device is developed, comprising a first electrode, a sensing structure with a metal nanowire layer wrapped by a metal oxide layer, and a second electrode, which enhances sensitivity and range due to the large conductivity variation between reduction and oxidation states, and protects the nanowire layer from environmental influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a metal oxide layer with low valence number is used as the sensing layer, then the sensor can detect reduction-oxidation reactions, but the sensitivity is low and the sensing range is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a metal oxide layer and a metal nanowire layer. The metal oxide layer provides the reduction-oxidation sensing capability, while the metal nanowire layer enhances conductivity and provides a large surface area. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both high sensitivity and wide sensing range simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal nanowire layer is distributed within the metal oxide layer, creating local regions of high conductivity and catalytic activity. This local enhancement of properties allows the sensor to achieve high sensitivity without compromising the overall sensing range, as the nanowires are strategically positioned to maximize their effect on charge transfer at the sensing interface.
2Measurement precision
If the metal nanowire layer is exposed to the atmosphere, then it can sense reduction-oxidation reactions, but it is affected by moisture, oxygen and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The metal oxide layer acts as a thin film shell that encapsulates the metal nanowire layer. This shell structure allows the nanowires to sense reduction-oxidation reactions while protecting them from direct exposure to atmospheric moisture, oxygen, and temperature fluctuations. The metal oxide layer is permeable to the analytes but provides a protective barrier against environmental interference, thus maintaining both detection accuracy and reliability.
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 device achieves a wide sensing range and high sensitivity for reduction-oxidation reactions while maintaining reliability by utilizing a metal nanowire layer wrapped with a metal oxide layer, effectively improving detection capabilities and durability.
Implementation Method 1
due to a very large variation of conductivity between a reduction state and an oxidation state of the metal nanowire layer
Implementation Method 2
both of the metal oxide layer and the metal nanowire in the reduction-oxidation sensor device of the present invention can be applied for sensing a reduction-oxidation reaction
Implementation Method 3
since the metal nanowire layer is wrapped by the metal oxide layer, the metal nanowire layer can be avoided from being affected by moisture, oxygen and temperature of the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A reduction-oxidation sensor device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The reduction-oxidation sensor device includes a first electrode, at least one sensing structure and a second electrode. The first electrode is located on a substrate. The at least one sensing structure is located on the first electrode and the substrate. The at least one sensing structure includes a metal nanowire layer and a metal oxide layer. The metal nanowire layer is disposed on the first electrode and the substrate. The metal nanowire layer is wrapped by the metal oxide layer. The second electrode is located on the at least one sensing structure.