Solid-State Reference Electrode with Polymeric Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid electrolyte reference electrodes face issues such as leakage, evaporation, sensitivity to temperature and pressure variations, biofouling, and complex designs that hinder miniaturization, while solid-state reference electrodes suffer from long hydration times, interfacial instability, and limited lifetime, limiting their widespread application in electrochemical measuring systems.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state reference electrode comprising a conductor element coated with a solid salt and a polymeric composition containing a cured resin, equitransferent ions, and a polyol, configured with a specific junction structure for stable ion flux, and optionally including non-ionic surfactants for homogeneity, to provide a stable reference potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used in reference electrodes, then ionic conductivity is achieved, but leakage and evaporation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by incorporating salt into a polymeric composition. This parameter change maintains ionic conductivity while eliminating the harmful effects of liquid electrolytes such as leakage and evaporation, directly resolving the technical contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solid-state electrolyte material combining polymer matrix with salt components. This composite structure provides both the mechanical stability of solids and the ionic conductivity needed for reference electrode operation, solving the contradiction between conductivity and stability.
2Strength
If solid-state materials are used to replace liquid electrolytes, then mechanical robustness and miniaturization are achieved, but hydration time increases and interfacial stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the composition and structure of the solid-state polymeric material to optimize ion transport properties. By adjusting the polymer matrix composition and salt content, the material achieves faster hydration response while maintaining mechanical robustness, resolving the time-strength contradiction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solid-state polymeric composition is used, then position-independence and integration are achieved, but junction potential stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by creating a specific junction structure where the solid-state electrolyte interfaces with the sample. The localized composition and structure at the junction are optimized to ensure stable ion flux and potential, while the bulk material provides mechanical robustness and position independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an equitransferent salt as an intermediary substance in the polymeric composition. This intermediary enables stable ion exchange at the junction interface, maintaining junction potential stability while allowing the solid-state structure to provide position independence and mechanical strength.
4Reliability
If conventional solid-state reference electrodes are used, then robustness against contamination is achieved, but lifetime is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous ion flux through the solid-state electrolyte by optimizing the polymeric composition and junction structure. This continuous operation capability extends the electrode lifetime while maintaining contamination resistance, resolving the contradiction between durability and operational longevity.
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 solution enables fast start-up, stable junction potential throughout the use-life, and reproducible measurements, extending the electrode's life to over a month, making it suitable for various electrochemical measuring systems.
Implementation Method 1
a polyol that facilitates ionic conductivity within the solid-state polymeric composition
Implementation Method 2
a salt that produces substantially equitransferent ions
Implementation Method 3
a solidified mix of a cured resin
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state reference electrode configured to provide a reference potential in an electrochemical analyzer. The solid-state reference electrode includes a conductor element comprising a metal and a coating comprising a solid salt of the metal; and a solid-state polymeric composition disposed in contact with the conductor element. The solid-state polymeric composition includes a solidified mix of a cured resin, a salt that produces substantially equitransferent ions, and a polyol that facilitates ionic conductivity within the solid-state polymeric composition.