EP0363427A4 - Electrochemical micro sensor - Google Patents
Electrochemical micro sensorInfo
- Publication number
- EP0363427A4 EP0363427A4 EP19880906286 EP88906286A EP0363427A4 EP 0363427 A4 EP0363427 A4 EP 0363427A4 EP 19880906286 EP19880906286 EP 19880906286 EP 88906286 A EP88906286 A EP 88906286A EP 0363427 A4 EP0363427 A4 EP 0363427A4
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- accordance
- substrate
- electrode means
- layer
- contact
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 9
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- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon dioxide Inorganic materials O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 229920000557 Nafion® Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 6
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 5
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- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 4
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 4
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- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 4
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- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 2
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011889 copper foil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004528 spin coating Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
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- 239000006087 Silane Coupling Agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 229910052741 iridium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GKOZUEZYRPOHIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iridium atom Chemical compound [Ir] GKOZUEZYRPOHIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011133 lead Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
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- 229910052763 palladium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- -1 perfluoro Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000010287 polarization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000172 poly(styrenesulfonic acid) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000647 polyepoxide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005518 polymer electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940005642 polystyrene sulfonic acid Drugs 0.000 description 1
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- 229910052703 rhodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010948 rhodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- MHOVAHRLVXNVSD-UHFFFAOYSA-N rhodium atom Chemical compound [Rh] MHOVAHRLVXNVSD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- 229910052594 sapphire Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- PYJJCSYBSYXGQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N trichloro(octadecyl)silane Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC[Si](Cl)(Cl)Cl PYJJCSYBSYXGQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JMCRETWEZLOFQT-UHFFFAOYSA-M trimethyl(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)azanium;chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].CCO[Si](OCC)(OCC)CCC[N+](C)(C)C JMCRETWEZLOFQT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
- G01N27/403—Cells and electrode assemblies
- G01N27/404—Cells with anode, cathode and cell electrolyte on the same side of a permeable membrane which separates them from the sample fluid, e.g. Clark-type oxygen sensors
- G01N27/4045—Cells with anode, cathode and cell electrolyte on the same side of a permeable membrane which separates them from the sample fluid, e.g. Clark-type oxygen sensors for gases other than oxygen
Definitions
- the invention relates to electrochemical apparatus for sensing the presence of a species in a fluid material. More particularly the invention relates to an improved apparatus for generating an electric signal in response the the presence of a predetermined species in a fluid material.
- Electrochemical sensors for the detection of the presence of a species in a fluid material have existed for quite some time.
- Such sensors include the Clark cell described in U.S. Patent No. 2,913,386 issued November 17, 1959.
- the apparatus disclosed in that patent utilizes a dual electrode structure immersed in an electrolyte and encased at least in part in a membrane which is permeable to a predetermined species. In operation such a device allows the permeation of the species to be detected through the membrane and reduces said species at the cathode.
- the anode is oxidized as a result of the electrical and ionic connections between the anode and cathode. These oxidation and reduction reactions generate a current which is measurable and is proportional to the concentration of the species being detected.
- the Clark cell is a large bulky apparatus and must include a liquid electrolytic medium in which the electrodes are immersed.
- the Clark apparatus suffers from several disadvantages including consumption of the species being detected during detection, slow response times and alteration of the electroly
- the Ross apparatus utilizes a sandwich comprising a cathode and an anode with a spacer therebetween. This sandwich is immersed in an electrolyte and is geometrically oriented so that the electrodes are parallel to a membrane which is permeable to the species being measured. The membrane combines with a housing to enclose the cathode-anode combination in an electrolyte.
- the species being measured is consumed at one electrode and regenerated at the other electrode such tnat no net consumption of the species being detected occurs.
- the Ross sensor does not consume the species being measured as a result of the electrochemical reaction of that species with the electrodes.
- the Ross cell effectively overcomes the problems of alteration of the electrodes and/or electrolyte, depletion of the species from the test flu-id, and extension of the depletion layer into the test fluid causing stirring and fouling dependence, certain other shortcomings are still evident. Among them is tne fact that readings with the Ross-type cell, obtained by measuring the current flow between the electrodes. tend to stablize within a maximum of one minute in accordance with the Ross patent. It has been found that response times of this order are not suitable for many applications.
- a further disadvantage is that the diffusion layer thickness in the Ross cell is determined by the interelectrode distance which is subject to variation as the assembly is stressed by forces arising from temperature and/or pressure variations. Yet another disadvantage is the cumbersome nature of the layered structure making reliable fabrication of Ross-type devices difficult.
- the apparatus of Connery et al. includes an insulating substrate and a plurality of fingerlike electrodes deposited on the surface of the substrate in a closely spaced interleaved geometric pattern. The electrodes are covered with a thin film of electrolyte and a permeable membrane. The electrolyte is selected so that the species being measured is generated at one electrode and consumed at the other with no net consumption of the species being detected.
- the Connery et al. apparatus may include a solid electrolyte deposited on the electrodes. While the Connery et al.
- One primary disadvantage of the Connery et al. apparatus is that the solid electrolyte is deposited on top of the electrodes.
- the electrodes form an irregular surface having nigh points where the electrodes are present and valleys at the spaces between the electrodes. This makes it difficult to deposit a solid electrolyte coating which will be smooth, consistent, homogeneous and adhere to the electrodes.
- the coating of electrolyte will be distorted by changes in humidity and temperature because of the irregular surface upon which it is coated.
- Another problem with the Connery et al. apparatus is that its response times may be too slow for some applications.
- the present invention relates to a solid electrochemical sensor for generating an electrical signal in response to contact with a predetermined species present in a fluid material
- a solid electrochemical sensor for generating an electrical signal in response to contact with a predetermined species present in a fluid material
- a substrate having at least one surface
- a solid electrolytic medium having first and second surfaces, said first surface of said medium being in contact with and adhering to said at least one surface of said substrate, a working electrode means in contact with and adhering to said second surface of said medium, an electrical power source connected for biasing said working electrode means at a potential at which said species will be consumed at said working electrode, and a counter electrode means in contact with and adhering to said second surface of said medium and being connected to said power source for completing a circuit in which a current is capable of flowing through both of said electrode means as a result of the electrochemical reaction occurring at said working electrode means.
- a second embodiment of the invention relates to a solid electrochemical sensor for generating an electrical signal in response to contact with a predetermined species present in a fluid material
- a solid electrochemical sensor for generating an electrical signal in response to contact with a predetermined species present in a fluid material
- a substrate having at least one surface, a first layer of a solid electrolytic medium having first and second surfaces, said first surface of said first layer of medium being in contact with and adhering to said at least one surface of said substrate, a counter electrode means in contact with and adhering to said second surface of said first layer of electrolytic medium, a second layer of a solid electrolytic medium having first and second surfaces, said first surface of said second layer of medium ⁇ eing in contact with and adhering to said counter electrode means, a working electrode means in contact with and adhering to said second surface of said second layer of electrolytic medium, an electrical power source connected for biasing said working electrode means at a potential at which said species will be consumed at said working electrode, and means for connecting said counter electrode means to said power
- Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the ampe ⁇ metric electrochemical apparatus of the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is a top plan view of tne amperometric electrochemical sensing apparatus of the present invention.
- Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the amperometric electrochemical sensing apparatus of the present invention.
- Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a sandwich- type amperometric electrochemical sensing apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
- Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical amperometric electrochemical sensing apparatus in accordance with tne present invention.
- Fig. 6 is a plan -view of a grid pattern electrode in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 there is shown an electrochemical sensing apparatus 10 including a substrate 11, an electrolyte 22, a counter electrode means 13 and a working electrode means 14.
- the sensor depicted in Fig. 1 is the simplest, least expensive, as well as one of the most efficient sensors in accordance with the present invention.
- Fig. 2 whicn is a top plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 showing the fingerlike projections of the electrodes 13 and 14.
- Counter electrode 13 is connected by way of line 15 to terminal 16 and the working electrode 14 is connected by line 17 to the terminal 18.
- the electrical circuit also includes a series connected electrical power source 19 for biasing the working electrode means 14 at a desired potential and an ammeter 20.
- the sensor depicted in Fig. 3 includes substrate 11 having an oxide layer 21 on the surface thereof. Deposited on the oxide layer 21 and adhering to the oxide layer 21 is a first layer 25 of electrolytic medium. Deposited on the first layer 25 of electrolytic medium are the counter electrode means 13 and the working .electrode means 14. Also deposited on the first layer 25 of electrolytic medium is a reference electrode 23 having a protective coating 24 thereon. Deposited on top of the electrodes 13, 14 and the protective coating 24 is a second layer 27 of electrolytic medium. Finally, on top of the second layer 27 of electrolytic medium is shown a selectively permeable membrane 26.
- Fig * 4 there is depicted another alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the electrochemical sensing means is formed in a sandwich-type structure.
- This sandwich-type structure is Duilt on a layer of substrate 11.
- the layer of substrate 11 includes an oxide layer 21 on the surface thereof.
- Deposited on top of the oxide layer 21 is a first layer 25 of electrolytic medium.
- Deposited on the first layer 25 of electrolytic medium is the counter electrode means 13 and the reference electrode 23.
- the reference electrode 23 is coated by a protective coating 24.
- Deposited on top of the counter electrode 13 and protective coating 24 is a second layer 27 of electrolytic medium.
- the working electrode 14 of the electrochemical sensor Deposited on top of the working electrode means 14 is a third layer 28 of electrolytic medium which includes a selectively permeable membrane 26 thereon.
- FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical electrochemical sensor in accordance with tne present invention.
- the cylindrical electrochemical sensor includes a substrate 31 naving an oxide layer 32 on the surface thereof. On top of the oxide layer 32 is deposited a first layer 33 of electrolytic medium. On the first layer 33 of electrolytic medium is deposited a counter electrode means 13, a working electrode means 14 and a reference electrode 23. The reference electrode 23 is coated with a protective coating 24.
- any of the alternate embodiments shown in Figs. 1-4 may be adapted to the cylindrical- shaped electrochemical sensor as well as other possible shapes su ⁇ n as spherical. These alternate shapes may be desirable for specific applications of the sensing device.
- the substrate 11 may be made of any suitable materials to which the electrolytic medium can be adhered.
- the substrate 11 is preferably an insulating material such as glass, quartz, ceramics such as alumina, etc. and silicon.
- the substrate 11 should have a thickness sufficient to assure the structural integrity of the sensor.
- Another important feature of the substrate 11 is that it be capable of adhering or being made to adhere to a coating material such as those used to fabricate electrodes and electrolytes. This is important because the electrodes and electrolytes must adhere to the substrate 11.
- One method involves oxidation of the surface of the substrate 11 to form an oxide layer thereon. Many electrolytic materials adhere, well to oxides.
- An additional oxide layer may also be coated on the surface of the substrate 11 to promote adherence of an electrolyte thereto.
- adhesion promotors for improving adhesion of Nafion to glass and other silacious substrates may be used.
- adhesion promoters include but are not limited to N-(tri ethoxysilylpropyl) -N,N,N-trimethyl-ammonium chloride, octadecyltrichlorosilane, and 8-hydroxy-l,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonic acid trisodium salt. These adhesion promoters chemically bond the electrolyte to the substrate 11 to give additional bonding strength.
- the adhesion promoters are applied to the substrate 11 just prior to spin coating of the electrolyte onto the substrate.
- Such promoters are described in Szentirmay, M.N., Campbell, L.F., and Martin, C.R. , Silane Coupling Agents for Attaching Nafion to Glass and Silica, Anal. Chem., Vol. 58 pp. 661-662, March 1986, which is hereby incorporated by reference..
- the substrate 11 preferably includes an oxide layer on 21 on the surface thereof to promote the adherence of the electrolytic medium to the substrate 11.
- an oxide layer 21 may be created by simple oxidation of the surface of the substrate 11.
- a substrate 11 such as silicon can be surface oxidized to produce a silicon dioxide surface coating.
- the oxide layer 21 may be deposited on or attached to the surface of the substrate 11 in any suitable manner.
- the substrate 11 should have a smooth surface before and- after oxidation. Such a smooth surface will promote smooth coatings of electrolytic medium on the substrate 11. Moreover, a smooth surface will lead to consistent and repeatable coatings of electrolytic medium enabling mass production of consistent sensors. Further, the smooth surface of the substrate 11 promotes adhesion of the electrolytic medium to the substrate and thereby prevents the electrolytic medium from peeling off the substrate 11. Finally, the existence of a smooth surface on the substrate 11 minimizes the stresses applied to the electrolytic medium by the substrate 11 upon exposure to varying temperature and/or humidity conditions. This, in turn, will minimize the distortion of the electrolytic medium as a result of these temperature and/or humidity variations.
- the electrolytic medium of the present invention is preferably a solid material.
- the electrolytic medium must be capable of allowing diffusion of all reactants and products between the cathodes and anodes as well as allowing exchange of the measured species with the test fluid.
- the electrolytic medium must also have satisfactory chemical, thermal and dimensional stability.
- Such polymer electrolytes such as poly-sulfoni ⁇ acids, typically polystyrene sulfonic acid or perfluoro linear polymers such as those marketed under the name "Nafion" by Du Pont are suitable for use as the electrolytic medium of the present invention.
- the electrolytic medium must be capable of adhering not only to the substrate 11, but also to the electrodes 13, 14 or the electrolytic medium must be capable of being adhered to the substrate 11 and the electrodes 13, 14 by adh ⁇ sives, adhesion promoters or the like.
- Electrolytes of the type employed in the electrolytic medium of present invention demonstrate excellent electrolytic and electronic compatibility with oxides such as silicon dioxide. As a result, it is preferable to coat such electrolytes onto an oxide covered surface.
- the oxide layer 21 can be obtained by thermal oxidation of the semiconductor wafer substrate 11.
- Other substrates 11 that are already oxides may also be used, such as alumina, sapphire, glass and polymers.
- the electrolyte may be spin coated using, onto the surface of the substrate 11. This process is described in our co-pending application Serial No. 053,722, filed on May 26, 1987. This spin coating technique produces a very thin, smooth and homogeneous coating of the electrolytic medium on the substrate 11. Other methods of coating the electrolytic medium onto the substrate 11 may be used if tney produce a coating having the desired properties of smoothness, homogeneity, thickness and structural stability.
- the electrodes of the present invention are preferably metal. These electrodes may be deposited on the surface of the electrolytic medium through the use of thick film, or thin film techniques. Such methods include sputtering and/or evaporation onto the electrolytic surface of a thin film of metal to form the electrodes with the definition of the surface areas being accomplished by photo-etching processes. Other thin film techniques such as deposition of a metal layer and photo-etching of that layer are also acceptable.
- the metals used to fabricate the electrodes of the present invention may include one or more of the following? platinum, palladium, rhodium, lead, silver, gold and iridium. It will be understood that other materials may be used as long as they satisfy the requirements of the present invention. These other materials must be capable of reacting with the species to be detected, as well as adhering or being adhered to the electrolytic medium. Selection of the proper electrode material for a particular reaction will depend on the species which is to be detected, as well as tne ability to adhere the electrode material to the electrolytic medium.
- the analysis or identification of a gas using these electrodes may be accomplished in any of a number of ways. For instance, such electronic variables as resistance, impedance, electrolytic reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions and polarization may be monitored during exposure of the sensor to a gas. Data obtained by monitoring any of these electronic variables can be used to analyze or identify a gas or components thereof.
- the electrodes may be characterized as a working electrode 14, a counter electrode 13 and a reference electrode 23.
- the working electrode 14 is the electrode at which the species is consumed by an electrochemical reaction.
- the counter electrode 13 is the electrode at which the species being detected is preferably regenerated by an electrochemical reaction. However, counter electrodes 13 which do not regenerate the species being detected, such as those of a Clark cell may also be used though they are not preferred.
- the reference electrode 23 does not participate in the chemical reactions but does serve to provide a potential reference for the working electrode 14. Normally, a potential is applied between the reference electrode 23 and the working electrode 14.
- the reference electrode 23 is often coated to prevent exposure of the reference electrode 23 to the species. Such coatings may include epoxies and any other coatings which do not allow the diffusion of the species to the surface of the reference electrode 23. Alternatively, the reference electrode 23 may be left uncoated and thereby be exposed to the species. In this instance it is necessary to include a correction factor in the system monitoring means in order to compensate for the electrocnemical reaction occurring at the reference electrode 23. The reaction occurring at the reference electrode 23 will cause a change in potential between the reference electrode 23 and the working electrode 14. This potential change can be accounted for through the use of the Nernst equation. Therefore, the reference electrode 23 may be left exposed to the species if the monitoring means is programmed to compensate for the change in potential by calculating such change using the Nernst equation.
- a preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes a selectively permeable membrane 26 which may * be deposited over the top of the electrodes 13, 14 or ever the top of a second layer of electrolytic medium.
- This selectively permeable membrane 26 serves to allow the diffusion of the species to be detected through to the working electrode 14 and the electrolytic medium. However, it does not allow diffusion of certain other materials which may be present in the fluid material being sensed. Therefore, the membrane 26 can be used to improve species speci icity of the sensing apparatus.
- the membrane 26 can also be used to prevent harmful components of tne fluid material from reaching the electrodes 13,14 and the electrolytic medium and altering their properties in some way.
- the membrane 26 may be composed of any material which is selectively permeable to the species being detected. Such materials include rubbers and synthetic polymers among other materials.
- Figs. 1-3 depict a planar sensor structure in accordance with the present invention.
- a planar structure is the most preferred embodiment since it requires the least number of components, minimizes the electrolytic interference and simplifies the construction.
- the planar sensor allows for smoother and more homogeneous coatings of the electrolytic medium since these coatings, with the exception of the second layer of electrolytic material in Fig. 3, are being applied to smooth surfaces. This type of sensor geometry gives excellent results because of its simplicity of design, ease of manufacture, and consistency.
- the device of Figs. 1 and 2 offers many advantages over prior art devices.
- the electrodes 13 and 14 are in direct contact with the fluid material thereby eliminating the need for the fluid material to diffuse across membranes or electrolytes. This direct contact results in a shorter response time because of the elimination of the diffusion resistance of electrolytic or membrane layers.
- Another important advantage of this embodiment results from the coating of the electrolytic medium directly onto the substrate 11 rather than onto the electrodes 13 and 14. Since the substrate 11 has a smooth surface the electrolytic medium will form a smooth, tnin, homogeneous coating on the substrate 11.
- Prior art devices coated the electrolytic medium over the electrodes 13,14 thus forming a non-homogeneous coating due to the roughness of the surface onto which the electrolytic medium had to be coated.
- the coating of the invention also minimizes the stresses placed on the electrolyte by the surface onto which it is coated since the electrolytic medium is coated onto a smooth surface.
- FIG. 4 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 4.
- This sensor has a sandwich-type structure. Again, there is a thin coating of a first layer 23 of electrolytic medium between the substrate 11 and the counter electrode means 13. However, in tne sandwich-type structure there is also a second layer 27 of electrolytic medium coated atop the counter electrode means 13.
- the sandwich-type structure has several advantages over the planar structure. The main advantage of the sandwich-type structure is the increased rigidity of the sensor structure due to the extra layers of material applied thereto. This increased rigidity will minimize the distortion of the electrodes 13 and 14 and electrolytic medium which usually results from tnermal and physical stresses placed on the sensor apparatus.
- sandwich-type structure Another advantage of the sandwich-type structure is that the counter electrode 13 and reference electrode 23 are partially shielded from the fluid material by an additional layer of electrolytic medium. This will minimize undesirable reactions at the counter electrode 13 and the reference electrode 23.
- Excellent sandwich structures are possible as a result of the coating techniques developed in our co-pending application Serial No. 053,722, filed on May 26, 1987 which is hereby incorporated by reference. These coating techniques allow for smooth, relatively homogeneous coatings of the electrolytic medium to be applied over the electrodes 13 f 14.
- the perimeter of the working electrode 14 is maximized with respect to the area of contact of the working electrode 14 with the electrolytic medium.
- This maximization of the perimeter to area ratio results in a corresponding maximization of the signal to noise ratio of the sensor.
- the theoretical basis for this result is that the area of contact between the working electrode 14 and the electrolytic medium appears to be responsible for the noise in the sensor.
- the electrochemical reaction between the working electrode 14 and the species appears to be catalyzed by the electrolytic medium. Therefore, the triple-pnase boundary between the working electrode 14, electrolytic medium, and the species is the preferred location for the electrochemical reaction between the species and the working electrode 14.
- the signal ⁇ generated by the electrochemical reaction appears to be directly proportional to the perimeter of the working electrode 14 since the perimeter is a measure of the triple-phase boundary.
- perimeter to area ratio is from about 0.4 to 500 and more preferably is from about 2 to about 500.
- the most desirable electrode geometry is long, thin electrodes whereby the surface area of the electrode in contact with the electrolyte is minimized while the triple-phase boundary at the electrode edges in contact with the electrolyte is maximized.
- the optimum configuration for a rectangular electrode occurs wnen one side is much longer than the other side, in which rectangular electrode the perimeter to area ratio and signal to noise ratio is proportional to the ratio of the sides of the rectangle, which is much greater than 1.
- the electrolyte is coated over the surface of the electrodes, the length, width and height all become important to the perimeter to area ratio. Accordingly, in three dimensions it is highly advantageous to maximize one dimension of the electrode while minimizing the other two dimensions to thereby obtain the greatest perimeter to area ratio.
- FIG. 6 there is shown an electrode configuration which may be adopted in order to maximize the perimeter to area ratio.
- these type of grid pattern electrodes provide a high perimeter to area ratio since both the external perimeter 42 of the electrode 41 and the internal perimeter 43 around the holes 44 of the electrode 41 both contribute to the signal strength of the electrode.
- the holes in the electrode serve to help minimize the area of the electrode in contact with the electrolyte and thus minimize the background noise created by the surface area contact of the electrode with the electrolyte.
- the geometry shown in Figure 6 is the preferred embodiment for obtaining a high and beneficial signal to noise ratio from these microfabricated electrode structures having the electrolyte coated atop the electrodes.
- grid electrodes are easily fabricated by etching uniformly spaced parallel rectangles onto thin copper foil masks. Then, the masks are used to evaporate gold electrodes. A first evaporation of 3500 angstroms of gold is done using the masks and then the masks are rotated 90 and a second evaporation of 3500 angstroms of gold is performed to obtain working electrodes in a grid pattern as shown in Fig. 6.
- Tne preferred grid width is less than 125 micrometers.
- the preferred grid spacing is less than 200 micrometers.
- the preferred number of holes in the grid is greater than 300.
- the sensing apparatus of the present invention if it uses a Nafion electrolyte, must be operated in an environment having at least some humidity. The absence of water in the environment will prevent the successful operation of the apparatus by hindering the role of the electrolytic medium. This is because the per fluoro membrane requires water to activate free protons. Other solid electrolytes, such as polyvinylalcohol and polyetnylene oxide, may not require the presence of humidity.
- the micro sensor of the present invention is capable of operation at much lower temperatures than prior art sensor devices.
- This device is capable of operating at temperatures of from about -40° to about 300°C and more preferably the device is operated at between -5°C and 100°C.
- the most preferred operating temperatures for the device are from about -5 C to about 35°C.
- No heating means is required to operate the sensor since it can be operated at room temperature if desired.
- Many materials can be used as substrates and membranes over the electrolytes which could not be used in the prior art since extremely high temperature operation is not required for operation of the microsensors of this invention.
- the electrolytic medium of the present invention is characterized by the capability to conduct ions in sufficient quantity at room temperature to allow operation of the icrosensor at lower temperatues than were possible with prior art microsensors.
- the assembly is contacted with a fluid material including the species to be detected, the species will diffuse to the working electrode 14 and there an electrochemical reaction will take place generating a measurable signal.
- the signal is measured by the ammeter 20 and the measured signal is preferably fed to a microcomputer for normalization of the signal as well as any other mathematical manipulations such as calibration which may be necessary.
- the response time for the sensor is usually less than five seconds.
- a 2" silicon wafer was oxidized to provide an insulating silicon dioxide surface. Then the wafer was spin-coated with a 5% Nafion solution (Aldrich -Chemical Co., Milwaukee, WI) to make a planar electrolytic structure. A two-step evaporation procedure was used to create grid electrode patterns on the surface of the Nafion layer. An evaporation system containing both e-beam and thermal evaporation capability was used to deposit the electrode structures. A photolithographically etched evaporation mask was prepared from 'thin copper foil in which a number of parallel rectangles were etched, each 6 mm long and 125 microns wide.
- the mask was rotated 90° and a second evaporation was performed.
- Gold wire 99.9%, Engelhard Minerals and Chemicals Co., NJ
- the electrodes were electrically connected to a power source.
- a sensor fabricated as in Example 1 was exposed to various gas mixtures at a room temperature of about 70-75°F with the following results.
- the sensor was operated at a constant potential of +300 millivolts versus the Platinum/air reference electrode.
- S/N is the signal to noise ratio of the sensor.
- the signals are given as normalized values with the signal for H-S being-taken as 1.0 and all other responses being scaled accordingly.
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- Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)
- Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
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Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US5370587A | 1987-05-26 | 1987-05-26 | |
| US53705 | 1987-05-26 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0363427A1 EP0363427A1 (fr) | 1990-04-18 |
| EP0363427A4 true EP0363427A4 (en) | 1991-01-16 |
Family
ID=21985990
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP19880906286 Withdrawn EP0363427A4 (en) | 1987-05-26 | 1988-05-26 | Electrochemical micro sensor |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0363427A4 (fr) |
| AU (1) | AU604142B2 (fr) |
| CA (1) | CA1279896C (fr) |
| WO (1) | WO1988009500A1 (fr) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4795543A (en) * | 1987-05-26 | 1989-01-03 | Transducer Research, Inc. | Spin coating of electrolytes |
| FR2695481B1 (fr) * | 1992-09-07 | 1994-12-02 | Cylergie Gie | Dispositif de mesure ampérométrique comportant un capteur électrochimique. |
| GB2290382A (en) * | 1994-03-25 | 1995-12-20 | Univ Cranfield | Electrochemical measurement and reactions in highly-resistive solvents |
| US5841021A (en) * | 1995-09-05 | 1998-11-24 | De Castro; Emory S. | Solid state gas sensor and filter assembly |
| GB9625464D0 (en) * | 1996-12-07 | 1997-01-22 | Central Research Lab Ltd | Gas sensor |
| DE102004037312B4 (de) | 2004-07-31 | 2015-02-05 | Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA | Elektrochemischer Gassensor und Verfahren zu seiner Herstellung |
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| US4076596A (en) * | 1976-10-07 | 1978-02-28 | Leeds & Northrup Company | Apparatus for electrolytically determining a species in a fluid and method of use |
| US4387165A (en) * | 1982-04-22 | 1983-06-07 | Youngblood James L | H2 S Detector having semiconductor and noncontinuous inert film deposited thereon |
| US4423407A (en) * | 1981-02-27 | 1983-12-27 | Dart Industries Inc. | Apparatus and method for measuring the concentration of gases |
| US4477541A (en) * | 1982-12-22 | 1984-10-16 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy | Solid electrolyte structure |
| US4521290A (en) * | 1984-03-16 | 1985-06-04 | Honeywell Inc. | Thin layer electrochemical cell for rapid detection of toxic chemicals |
| US4571292A (en) * | 1982-08-12 | 1986-02-18 | Case Western Reserve University | Apparatus for electrochemical measurements |
| US4587105A (en) * | 1984-05-17 | 1986-05-06 | Honeywell Inc. | Integratable oxygen sensor |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US751897A (en) * | 1904-02-09 | Gitido bodlander | ||
| US2913386A (en) * | 1956-03-21 | 1959-11-17 | Jr Leland C Clark | Electrochemical device for chemical analysis |
| US3260656A (en) * | 1962-09-27 | 1966-07-12 | Corning Glass Works | Method and apparatus for electrolytically determining a species in a fluid |
| US3305457A (en) * | 1965-08-09 | 1967-02-21 | Hyman Edward Sidney | Hydrocarbon detection |
| US3701632A (en) * | 1970-03-05 | 1972-10-31 | California Inst Of Techn | Vapor phase detectors |
| US3836449A (en) * | 1970-06-01 | 1974-09-17 | California Inst Of Techn | Electrolytic cell for use with vapor phase detectors |
| US3824168A (en) * | 1970-11-10 | 1974-07-16 | Energetics Science | Gas detecting and quantitative measuring device |
| US3776832A (en) * | 1970-11-10 | 1973-12-04 | Energetics Science | Electrochemical detection cell |
| US3909386A (en) * | 1970-11-10 | 1975-09-30 | Energetics Science | Gas detector unit |
| US3764269A (en) * | 1971-12-28 | 1973-10-09 | North American Rockwell | Sensor for fluid components |
| US4267023A (en) * | 1977-10-17 | 1981-05-12 | Orion Research Incorporated | Chemically integrating dosimeter and gas analysis methods |
| JPS5467497A (en) * | 1977-11-09 | 1979-05-30 | Nippon Soken | Gas detector |
| EP0004184A1 (fr) * | 1978-03-08 | 1979-09-19 | British Gas Corporation | Détecteur de gaz et son procédé de réalisation |
| US4228400A (en) * | 1978-03-28 | 1980-10-14 | Research Corporation | Conductometric gas analysis cell |
| US4184937A (en) * | 1978-12-26 | 1980-01-22 | Catalyst Research Corporation | Electrochemical cell for the detection of chlorine |
| US4169779A (en) * | 1978-12-26 | 1979-10-02 | Catalyst Research Corporation | Electrochemical cell for the detection of hydrogen sulfide |
| US4227984A (en) * | 1979-03-01 | 1980-10-14 | General Electric Company | Potentiostated, three-electrode, solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) gas sensor having highly invariant background current characteristics with temperature during zero-air operation |
| JPS55154450A (en) * | 1979-05-19 | 1980-12-02 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Air-fuel-ratio detector |
| JPS55166039A (en) * | 1979-06-12 | 1980-12-24 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Air fuel ratio detector |
| US4329214A (en) * | 1980-07-21 | 1982-05-11 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Gas detection unit |
| US4347732A (en) * | 1980-08-18 | 1982-09-07 | Leary David J | Gas monitoring apparatus |
| GB2094005B (en) * | 1981-02-03 | 1985-05-30 | Coal Industry Patents Ltd | Electrochemical gas sensor |
| JPS57137850A (en) * | 1981-02-20 | 1982-08-25 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Oxygen concentration measuring element |
| US4795543A (en) * | 1987-05-26 | 1989-01-03 | Transducer Research, Inc. | Spin coating of electrolytes |
-
1988
- 1988-05-26 CA CA000567772A patent/CA1279896C/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-05-26 AU AU19580/88A patent/AU604142B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1988-05-26 WO PCT/US1988/001772 patent/WO1988009500A1/fr not_active Ceased
- 1988-05-26 EP EP19880906286 patent/EP0363427A4/en not_active Withdrawn
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US4076596A (en) * | 1976-10-07 | 1978-02-28 | Leeds & Northrup Company | Apparatus for electrolytically determining a species in a fluid and method of use |
| US4423407A (en) * | 1981-02-27 | 1983-12-27 | Dart Industries Inc. | Apparatus and method for measuring the concentration of gases |
| US4387165A (en) * | 1982-04-22 | 1983-06-07 | Youngblood James L | H2 S Detector having semiconductor and noncontinuous inert film deposited thereon |
| US4571292A (en) * | 1982-08-12 | 1986-02-18 | Case Western Reserve University | Apparatus for electrochemical measurements |
| US4477541A (en) * | 1982-12-22 | 1984-10-16 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy | Solid electrolyte structure |
| US4521290A (en) * | 1984-03-16 | 1985-06-04 | Honeywell Inc. | Thin layer electrochemical cell for rapid detection of toxic chemicals |
| US4587105A (en) * | 1984-05-17 | 1986-05-06 | Honeywell Inc. | Integratable oxygen sensor |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| See also references of WO8809500A1 * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU1958088A (en) | 1988-12-21 |
| EP0363427A1 (fr) | 1990-04-18 |
| CA1279896C (fr) | 1991-02-05 |
| WO1988009500A1 (fr) | 1988-12-01 |
| AU604142B2 (en) | 1990-12-06 |
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