Low-cost reference membrane for electroanalysis

Unmet Need: Development of low-cost reference membrane for electroanalysis

Low-cost reference membranes for electrolysis are crucial components in various electrochemical sensors and systems. For a reference electrode to function properly, it must maintain a stable potential (electromotive force, emf). The most widely used reference electrode is the Ag/Cl reference electrode, which maintains a constant potential based on the redox couple between silver (Ag) and silver chloride (AgCl).

Researchers at WSU invented a low-cost reference membrane for use in diverse electroanalytical experiments. It is composed of a photocurable resin and doped with hydrophobic anions and cations and is compatible with stereolithographic 3D printing. This invention allows for printing reliable reference membranes compatible with various transduction elements (rigid and flexible).

The Technology Developed a reference electrode that effectively responds to chloride level changes demonstrated by a 3D-printed membrane

WSU Researchers invented a reference electrode, using a 3D resin, potassium tetrakis(4-chlorophenylborate), and an ammonium salt, which effectively responds to chloride level changes, as demonstrated by a 3D-printed membrane on a carbon fiber rod transducer. Significant progress has been made with the fabrication of a 3D-printed reference electrode, and all necessary progress and setups indicate that the developed 3D-printed reference electrode is robust and reproducible across multiple electrodes.

Applications:

Environmental monitoring includes water quality testing
Monitoring various parameters such as pH and ion concentrations in industrial processes, quality control, and chemical manufacturing
Monitoring nutrient solutions in the agriculture sector as well as medical diagnostics
Quality control in food and beverage industries

Advantages:

Robustness and durability
Cost-effective and easy to use
High sensitivity and accuracy
Portability and customizability
Versatility – appliable across diverse fields such as environmental monitoring, industrial process control, medical diagnostics, agriculture, and more