Solid-state substrate-integrated reference electrode and counter electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid-junction reference electrodes are difficult to scale for high parallelization in industrial applications, limiting the efficient production of analyte-selective sensors.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state reference electrode is integrated onto a substrate to form an electrolytic cell with a working electrode, enabling stable electrodeposition of functional layers on the working electrode without the need for bulky liquid-junction reference electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional liquid-junction reference electrodes are used, then stable reference potential is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to bulky structure and liquid handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical liquid-junction reference electrode system with a solid-state electrochemical system. The solid reference electrode uses a redox-active overlayer on a transducer that directly contacts the electrolyte, eliminating the need for liquid-filled chambers, frits, and capillary structures. This substitution maintains electrochemical functionality while dramatically simplifying the device structure and enabling planar integration on substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the reference electrode from liquid to solid. By using a solid redox-active overlayer (such as metal oxides, metal salts, or conducting polymers) instead of liquid electrolyte in a junction, the system achieves stable reference potential through solid-state electrochemical reactions. This parameter change enables miniaturization and integration while maintaining reference electrode functionality.
2Reliability
If conventional liquid-junction reference electrodes are used, then reference functionality is provided, but productivity decreases due to difficulty in high parallelization for industrial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference electrode function into a distributed array of solid reference electrodes that can be independently fabricated on a substrate. Each solid reference electrode can be positioned at specific locations and addressed individually, enabling parallel processing and high-volume manufacturing. The modular solid-state design allows for systematic arrangement and integration with multiple working electrodes in parallel configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid reference electrode design provides universal functionality that can be integrated with various working electrode types and configurations. The solid-state architecture is compatible with different substrates, transducers, and redox-active materials, allowing the same reference electrode design to serve multiple applications and enable parallel production across different sensor types.
3Reliability
If conventional liquid-junction reference electrodes are used, then stable reference potential is maintained, but ease of manufacture decreases due to cumbersome structure and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference electrode components into a single integrated solid-state structure. The transducer, redox-active overlayer, and electrolyte interface are combined into one compact unit that can be fabricated as a complete assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly of liquid-filled chambers, frits, and connectors, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining stable reference potential through the integrated solid-state electrochemical system.
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 approach allows for the highly parallelized synthesis of analyte-selective sensors, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs by eliminating the need for cumbersome liquid-junction reference electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
the overlay comprises a redox couple applied to a first surface of the transducer... said redox couple facilitates the formation of a stable electrode potential
Implementation Method 2
application of an electrical stimulus to the working electrode in the electrolytic cell provides electrodeposition of a surface layer on the working electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects are directed to a reference electrode integrated on a surface of a substrate to facilitate functionalization of a working electrode. The reference electrode is used in the electrochemical deposition or electrodeposition of one or more functional layers on a working electrode. The working electrode may be a sensing element of an analyte-selective sensor. Additional aspects of the current subject matter are directed to a counter electrode integrated on a surface of a substrate.