Solid State Electrode With Plasticized Polymer Matrix For Stable Reference Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized reference electrodes in electrochemical sensors face stability issues due to limited volume, leading to drift in reference voltage when immersed in solutions with varying chloride concentrations, as chloride ions migrate through the electrolyte bridge, which is exacerbated in microfabricated designs.
Innovation Solution
A solid state electrode utilizing a plasticized polymer matrix with non-dissolved salt crystals that act as a continuous ion source, maintaining stable ion concentration and reducing diffusion, allowing for a shorter stabilization time and increased mechanical stability without the need for additional coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the volume of the reference electrolyte solution is increased to stabilize the reference voltage, then the reference electrode potential stability is improved, but the device size increases which is not acceptable in microfabricated reference electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using a hydrogel matrix. This parameter change allows the electrolyte to maintain stability without requiring large volumes, as the solid hydrogel structure prevents rapid ion migration while still providing sufficient ionic conductivity for reference electrode operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of a hydrogel matrix combined with immobilized chloride ions. This composite structure integrates the benefits of gel-based ionic conductivity with the stability of immobilized ions, eliminating the need for large volumes of liquid electrolyte while maintaining reference potential stability.
2Reliability
If a porous frit or electrolyte bridge is used to separate the reference electrolyte from the bulk solution, then ion migration is prevented, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the electrolyte bridge and the reference electrolyte reservoir into a single integrated hydrogel layer. The hydrogel matrix itself serves as both the ionic conductor and the containment structure for chloride ions, eliminating the need for separate porous frit components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin hydrogel film as the electrolyte layer, which provides effective ion migration prevention through its gel structure while maintaining flexibility and compatibility with microfabrication techniques. This thin film approach reduces device complexity compared to rigid porous frit structures.
3Volume of stationary object
If miniaturization is implemented in reference electrodes, then device size is reduced, but the stabilization time increases and mechanical stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte from liquid to solid hydrogel form, which fundamentally alters the ion transport dynamics. The hydrogel matrix provides restricted but controlled ion diffusion, achieving rapid stabilization without requiring large volumes. This parameter change enables miniaturization while maintaining fast response times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the liquid-based ionic conduction system with a solid hydrogel system. This substitution eliminates the need for large reservoir volumes while providing sufficient ionic conductivity through the gel matrix, thereby reducing stabilization time in miniaturized devices without compromising mechanical stability.
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 solid state electrolyte with embedded non-dissolved salt crystals provides a stable ion concentration, reducing drift and extending the lifetime of the reference electrode, suitable for miniaturized sensors, and enabling applications in health patches and microfluidic systems with reduced size and increased mobility of ions.
Implementation Method 1
The solid state electrolyte comprises a plasticized polymer matrix with non-dissolved salt crystals embedded in the polymer matrix and wherein the non-dissolved crystals are suitable for dissolving ions in the plasticized polymer
Implementation Method 2
The electrolyte bridge or the porous ceramic plug 130 prevents that chloride ions instantaneously migrate between the liquid of the reference electrode and the bulk solution
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
A solid state electrolyte, comprising a plasticized polymer matrix with non-dissolved salt crystals embedded in the polymer matrix and wherein the non-dissolved crystals are suitable for dissolving ions in the plasticized polymer.