An evaluation of the characteristics of membrane materials suitable for the batch fabrication of dissolved oxygen sensors

Abstract

The bulk batch fabrication process of thick film technology has been utilised in the design and production of miniature amperometric dissolved oxygen sensors based on potentiostatic and voltammetric operation. Three different polymers have been investigated as membrane materials – cellulose acetate, PTFE and PVC. PTFE has been deposited on the devices by aerosol spray and PVC and cellulose acetate by screen‐printing. These methods have been shown to be effective membrane fabrication techniques, and have significant implications in the field of chemical sensors as a whole. All the membrane covered devices investigated were found to exhibit sensitive and linear responses to dissolved oxygen. The effects of temperature and flow rate on sensor response have been investigated and the use of PVC and PTFE in place of cellulose acetate have been shown to reduce both effects. These membranes have also been shown to reduce the detrimental effects of fouling observed on the surfaces of cellulose acetate covered devices as they are powered in tap water.