Abstract
Surface potential and surface charge sensing techniques have attracted a wide range of research interest in recent decades. With the development and optimization of detection technologies, especially nanosensors, new mechanisms and techniques are emerging. This review discusses various surface potential sensing techniques, including Kelvin probe force microscopy and chemical field-effect transistor sensors for surface potential sensing, nanopore sensors for surface charge sensing, zeta potentiometer and optical detection technologies for zeta potential detection, for applications in material property, metal ion and molecule studies. The mechanisms and optimization methods for each method are discussed and summarized, with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of different techniques and experimental guidance for applications in surface potential-based detection.
Highlights
Surface potential sensing techniques measure the surface charge density over the solid surface or solid–liquid interface
In the presence of an electrical double layer (EDL) when immersing solid into liquids, the target chemical or biological inputs are transformed into electrical signals, referred as surface potential or surface charge
Surface potential φo has a linear relationship with surface charge density as σ = Cdl φo, where Cdl is the double layer capacitance that is determined by the ionic strength and ionic valence
Summary
Surface potential sensing techniques measure the surface charge density over the solid surface or solid–liquid interface. Surface potential can be modulated by adsorption of target molecules, e.g., chemical concentrations (pH [10,11,12], metal ion concentration [13,14], etc.), biological species (DNA [15,16,17], protein [18], etc.), electrical modulation (reference electrode) and physical movement (flow velocity [19,20]). In other words, those variables that induce potential or charge change can be detected through surface potential or charge measurement.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
