Interdigitated Microelectrodes Research Articles

An ultrasensitive impedance biosensor for Salmonella detection based on rotating high gradient magnetic separation and cascade reaction signal amplification

An impedance biosensor using rotary magnetic separation and cascade reaction was developed for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of Salmonella typhimurium. First, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) modified with anti-Salmonella monoclonal antibodies were injected into a capillary at the presence of a rotary high gradient magnetic field, which was rotated by a stepper motor. Then, a bacterial sample was injected into the capillary and the target bacteria were continuous-flow captured onto the MNPs. After organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers were prepared using manganese dioxide (MnO2), glucose oxidase (GOx) and anti-Salmonella polyclonal antibodies (pAbs), they were injected to label the bacteria, resulting in the formation of MNP-bacteria-nanoflower sandwich complexes. Finally, glucose (low conductivity) was injected and oxidized by GOx on the complexes to produce H2O2 (low conductivity) and gluconic acid (high conductivity), leading to impedance decrease. Besides, the produced H2O2 triggered a cascade reduction of MnO2 into Mn2+, leading to further impedance decrease. The impedance changes were measured using an interdigitated microelectrode and used to determine the concentration of target bacteria. This biosensor was able to detect Salmonella ranging from 101 to 106 CFU/mL in 2 h with a low detection limit of 101 CFU/mL and a mean recovery of 100.1% for the spiked chicken samples.

High-voltage aqueous planar symmetric sodium ion micro-batteries with superior performance at low-temperature of −40 ºC

Aqueous sodium ion micro-batteries (ANIMBs) hold great promise in smart wearable microelectronics due to the abundant reserves, low cost and high safety of sodium. However, their applications are substantially hindered by the narrow electrochemical stability window of aqueous electrolytes within a limited temperature range. Herein, we report a prototype of high-voltage planar ANIMBs based on symmetric interdigital microelectrodes working in water-in-salt (WiS) electrolyte (17 M NaClO 4 ) and displaying exceptional performance at low temperature. This work features nanoflower Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 (NVP)-based electrodes with perfectly matched voltage range as both anode and cathode in the WiS electrolyte operating in a widened electrochemical stability window (2.7 V vs. Na + /Na) under ultralow freezing point of −50 ºC. The resulting ANIMBs with interdigital in-plane geometry deliver remarkable volumetric capacity of 45 mAh/cm 3 and energy density of 77 mWh/cm 3 , which are superior to most reported sodium-based micropower sources. Notably, the NVP||NaClO 4 ||NVP micro-batteries exhibit a high coulombic efficiency of > 99% at room temperature down to −40 ºC. Furthermore, the NVP||NaClO 4 ||NVP ANIMBs present admirable flexibility and modular integration. We believe that our ANIMBs can potentially enjoy wide market adoption ranging from domestic appliances to safe intelligent wearable microelectronics, especially those applications that need to be operated below freezing temperature. High-voltage aqueous planar sodium ion micro-batteries with exceptional low-temperature performance are fabricated based on symmetric interdigital Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 microelectrodes, working in water-in-salt electrolyte of 17 M NaClO 4 , which exhibit high energy density of 77 mWh/cm 3 , glorious integration in serial and parallel, and possess a splendid capacity retention of 88% at room temperature owing to outstanding resistance to the low-temperature at −40 ºC. • High-voltage aqueous sodium ion micro-batteries are constructed based on symmetric interdigital Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 microelectrode. • The water-in-salt electrolyte of 17 M NaClO 4 enables the micro-batteries with high energy density of 77 mWh/cm 3 . • The planar micro-batteries possess splendid performance even under the low-temperature of –40 ºC.

Customizing hydrothermal properties of inkjet printed sensitive films by functionalization of carbon nanotubes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are attractive materials for realizing sensors, owing to their high aspect ratio associated with excellent mechanical, electronic, and thermal properties. Moreover, their sensing properties can be tuned by introducing functional groups on their framework and adjusting the processing conditions. In this paper, we investigate the potential of functionalized CNTs for humidity and temperature sensing by optimization of the functionalization, the processing conditions and the printing conditions. The morphology of the differently functionalized MWCNTs is investigated by infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry (TG) and TG-coupled mass-spectrometric studies. Using the functionalized MWCNTs, films were fabricated with different numbers of layers (4, 6, 8, 10 layers) via inkjet printing on a flexible polyimide substrate containing an interdigital microelectrode. The influence of hydrothermal effects was investigated. The sensitivity to humidity is higher for films prepared with MWCNTs functionalized with a high sonication amplitude and a bigger number of layers due to enhancements of hydrophilicity and water mobility. A higher sensitivity to temperature is achieved by a low sonication amplitude and a small number of layers. For the encapsulation of the temperature sensor against humidity, a Bectron layer is proposed, which reduces also the hysteresis effect. This study demonstrates the efficiency of carboxylic functionalized MWCNTs deposit by inkjet printing for realization of sensitive and cost-effective humidity and temperature sensors. It provides a real example for the interesting contribution of functionalization procedures to the sensing properties of MWCNTs films.

Micelle-enabled self-assembly of porous and monolithic carbon membranes for bioelectronic interfaces.

Real-world bioelectronics applications, including drug delivery systems, biosensing, and electrical modulation of tissues and organs, largely require biointerfaces at the macroscopic level. However, traditional macroscale bioelectronic electrodes usually exhibit invasive or power-inefficient architectures, inability to form uniform and subcellular interfaces, or faradaic reactions at electrode surfaces. Here, we develop a micelle-enabled self-assembly approach for a binder-free and carbon-based monolithic device, aimed at large-scale bioelectronic interfaces. The device incorporates a multiscale porous material architecture, an interdigitated microelectrode layout, and a supercapacitor-like performance. In cell training processes, we use the device to modulate the contraction rate of primary cardiomyocytes at the subcellular level to target frequency in vitro. We also achieve capacitive control of the electrophysiology in isolated hearts, retinal tissues, and sciatic nerves, as well as bioelectronic cardiac sensing. Our results support the exploration of device platforms already used in energy research to identify new opportunities in bioelectronics.

An impedance biosensor based on magnetic nanobead net and MnO2 nanoflowers for rapid and sensitive detection of foodborne bacteria

Screening of pathogenic bacteria in foods is an effective way to prevent foodborne diseases. In this study, an impedance biosensor was developed for rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonella typhimurium using multiple magnetic nanobead (MNB) nets in a ring channel for continuous-flow separation of target bacteria from 10 mL of sample, manganese dioxide nanoflowers (MnO2 NFs) for efficient amplification of biological signal, and an interdigitated microelectrode for sensitive measurement of impedance change. First, the MNBs modified with capture antibodies were vortically injected from outer periphery of this ring channel to form multiple ring MNB nets at specific locations with high gradient magnetic fields. Then, the bacterial sample was continuous-flow injected, resulting in specific capture of target bacteria onto the nets, and the MnO2 NFs modified with detection antibodies were injected to form MNB-bacteria-MnO2 NF complexes. After the complexes were washed with deionized water to remove excessive nanoflowers and residual ions, H2O2 with poor conductivity was injected to reduce MnO2 NFs to conductive Mn2+ at neutral medium, leading to impedance decrease. Finally, impedance change was measured using the microelectrode for quantitative determination of Salmonella. This biosensor was able to separate ~60% of Salmonella from 10 mL of bacterial sample and detect Salmonella with a linear range of 3.0 × 101 to 3.0 × 106 CFU/mL in 1.5 h with lower detection limit of 19 CFU/mL. This biosensor might be further improved with higher sensitivity using a larger volume (100 mL or more) for routine screening of foodborne bacteria without bacterial pre-culture.

Fabrication and characterization of nanostructured zinc oxide on printed microcontact electrode for piezoelectric applications

Dynamic integration of aligned nanostructures fabricated on different surfaces has prompted the needs for a novel nanoelectromechanical energy harvester. This study describes the morphologies of as-synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nano rod-like structures grown onto a bare sputtered substrate and patterned microcontact electrode (IDE), using a simple chemical bath deposition method (CBD). Local piezoresponse measurements were conducted to detect the piezoelectric response and polarization switching in Zinc oxide nanorods. The morphological characteristics and electromechanical response of the grown nanostructures on the printed electrode have been investigated, as a step towards enhancing the performance of piezoelectric nanogenerators. The growth characteristics and energy harvesting ability of nanostructured ZnO on interdigitated microelectrode (IDE) were reported. AFM analysis indicated that the average seed layer thickness of the ZnO film deposited before the lithographic pattern of the IDE was about ~267.5 nm. The FESEM images and XRD analysis confirmed that the ZnO nanorods possessed a hexagonal wurtzite structure having the c-axis crystal orientation preferentially in the (002) plane. FTIR spectrum confirmed the secondary vibrations of the Zn–O bonding at 669.75 cm−1 even with the adjustment in the microstructural features of ZnO. Finally, the Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) analysis confirmed the converse piezoelectric response of the grown nanorods.

Planar Interdigitated Aptasensor for Flow-Through Detection of Listeria spp. in Hydroponic Lettuce Growth Media.

Irrigation water is a primary source of fresh produce contamination by bacteria during the preharvest, particularly in hydroponic systems where the control of pests and pathogens is a major challenge. In this work, we demonstrate the development of a Listeria biosensor using platinum interdigitated microelectrodes (Pt-IME). The sensor is incorporated into a particle/sediment trap for the real-time analysis of irrigation water in a hydroponic lettuce system. We demonstrate the application of this system using a smartphone-based potentiostat for rapid on-site analysis of water quality. A detailed characterization of the electrochemical behavior was conducted in the presence/absence of DNA and Listeria spp., which was followed by calibration in various solutions with and without flow. In flow conditions (100 mL samples), the aptasensor had a sensitivity of 3.37 ± 0.21 kΩ log-CFU−1 mL, and the LOD was 48 ± 12 CFU mL−1 with a linear range of 102 to 104 CFU mL−1. In stagnant solution with no flow, the aptasensor performance was significantly improved in buffer, vegetable broth, and hydroponic media. Sensor hysteresis ranged from 2 to 16% after rinsing in a strong basic solution (direct reuse) and was insignificant after removing the aptamer via washing in Piranha solution (reuse after adsorption with fresh aptamer). This is the first demonstration of an aptasensor used to monitor microbial water quality for hydroponic lettuce in real time using a smartphone-based acquisition system for volumes that conform with the regulatory standards. The aptasensor demonstrated a recovery of 90% and may be reused a limited number of times with minor washing steps.

An Electrodeposited MXene-Ti3C2Tx Nanosheets Functionalized by Task-Specific Ionic Liquid for Simultaneous and Multiplexed Detection of Bladder Cancer Biomarkers.

Controlled deposition of 2D multilayered nanomaterials onto different electrodes to design a highly sensitive biosensing platform utilizing their active inherent electrochemistry is extremely challenging. Herein, a green, facile, and cost-effective one-pot deposition mechanism of 2D MXene-Ti3C2Tx nanosheets (MXNSs) onto conductive electrodes within few minutes via electroplating (termed electroMXenition) is reported for the first time. The redox reaction in the colloidal MXNS solution under the effect of a constant applied potential generates an electric field, which drives the nanoparticles toward a specific electrode interface such that they are cathodically electroplated. A task-specific ionic liquid, that is, 4-amino-1-(4-formyl-benzyl) pyridinium bromide (AFBPB), is exploited as a multiplex host arena for the substantial immobilization of MXNSs and covalent binding of antibodies. A miniaturized, single-masked gold dual interdigitated microelectrode (DIDμE) is microfabricated and presented by investigating the benefit of AFBPB coated on MXNSs. The resulting MXNSs-AFBPB-film-modified DIDμE biosensor exhibited a 7× higher redox current than bare electrodes owing to the uniform deposition. Using Apo-A1 and NMP 22 as model bladder cancer analytes, this newly developed dual immunosensor demonstrated precise and large linear ranges over five orders of significance with limit of detection values as low as 0.3 and 0.7 pg mL-1, respectively.

Pt-poly(L-lactic acid) microelectrode-based microsensor for in situ glucose detection in sweat

A miniaturized biosensor was developed for in situ noninvasive detection of glucose in sweat. The biosensor was composed of a pair of interdigital Pt-poly(L-lactic acid) (Pt-PLA) microelectrode arrays operating as the working and auxiliary electrode. The size of the sensor was 3.56 × 0.72 mm, while the width of the interdigital microelectrodes was 2.4 μm. The microelectrodes with densely packed coral-like Pt-PLA nanoparticles were fabricated using a multi-potential step deposition process. We investigated the influence of the Pt-PLA electrodeposition time on the morphology and electrochemical performance of the microelectrode. The optimized biosensor exhibited high electrocatalytic activity because of the synergistic effects between the Pt nanoparticles and PLA polymer matrix, including the electrooxidation of Pt on glucose, the adsorption of glucose by the PLA polymer, and the acceleration of the glucose dehydrogenation step. For glucose detection in sweat and tears, the linear concentration ranges were observed to be 0.001–33.76 μM and 33.76–1000 μM, with a low detection limit of 0.19 nM. The miniaturized biosensor exhibited high sensitivity and signal stability, and could be suitable for use in the long-term monitoring of sweat glucose levels in patients, athletes, and other subjects in various difficult environments.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli Detection Using the Design of a Biosensor

The food industry and clinical analysis, among other sectors, require the development of techniques and devices that detect pathogens, while the development of implantable devices needs biocompatible materials with low degradation in biological environment to increase the lifetime of the device. Throughout this work, hydrogenated amorphous silicon-carbon alloy is proposed, obtained, characterized and incorporated into the development of a proposed interdigitated microelectrode array (PIMA) to capture the bacteria of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (E. coli, ETEC). a-SixC1-x:H is obtained by the technique of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using methane and silane as precursor gases under high hydrogen dilution and low power density in order to improve its biocompatibility. Functionally the PIMA is a transducer based on electrical impedance, namely the capture of E. coli bacteria causes changes in the electrical properties of the medium between and on the microelectrodes of the array, which are associated with changes in electrical impedance. The simulations were made with the purpose of knowing the operation that the PIMA would have under operating conditions (with bacterial environment) and of analyzing the design aspects that could affect or increase the sensitivity of the array.

Electromicrofluidic Device on Multilayered Laser-Induced Polyamide Substrate for Diverse Electrochemical Applications

Microfluidic devices with integrated electrodes, called electromicrofluidic (EMF) device, have been reported for multiple applications. In this work, a unique approach to realizing a multilayered EMF device, with microchannel and integrated electrodes on the same polyamide (PI) substrate, has been presented. A computer-controlled CO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> laser ablation method, with varying speeds and power values, was employed to form laser-induced graphene (LIG) on a PI substrate as per the desired design. Initially, to create a microchannel layer, the formed LIG was peeled off which left behind an etched pattern. Subsequently, to realize an electrode layer, the PI substrate with microchannel was further ablated to create patterned LIG. An optimal flow rate of 100 μL/min via a controlled syringe pump was established in EMF device. As a prototype, the developed platform, with microchannel and electrodes, was explored for variable electrochemical applications. First, the electrochemical sensing of uric acid displayed a limit of detection (LOD) as 0.61 μM in a linear range from 10 μM to 3 mM with significant recovery-values. Furthermore, the polarization performance for fuel cell application was evaluated on the developed EMF platform using the chronoamperometry (CA) method with a stable open-circuit potential (OCP), harnessing the maximum power density obtained was 3.027 nW/cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> . Finally, an array of interdigitated microelectrodes (IDEs) was realized to examine impedance-based nitrite detection. Overall, the presented multilayered EMF devices with microchannel and electrodes on the single sheet authenticate the applicability of the designed platform for a variety of sensing and energy harvesting applications.

Electrochemical detection of free-chlorine in Water samples facilitated by in-situ pH control using interdigitated microelectrodes

Residual free-chlorine concentration in water supplies is a key metric studied to ensure disinfection. High residual chlorine concentrations lead to unpleasant odours and tastes, while low concentrations may lead to inadequate disinfection. The concentration is most commonly monitored using colorimetric techniques which require additional reagents. Electrochemical analysis offers the possibility for in-line analysis without the need for additional reagents. Electrochemical-based detection of chlorine is influenced by the solution pH, which defines the particular chlorine ionic species present in solution. As such, controlling the pH is essential to enable electrochemical based detection of residual chlorine in water. To this end, we explore the application of solid state interdigitated electrodes to tailor the in-situ pH of a solution while simultaneously detecting free-chlorine. Finite element simulations and subsequent electrochemical characterization, using gold interdigitated microelectrode arrays, were employed to explore the feasibility of an in-situ pH control approach. In practice, the approach converted residual chlorine from an initial mixture of two species (hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion), to one species (hypochlorous acid). Chlorine detection was shown in water samples using this exploratory method, resulting in a two-fold increase in signal response, compared to measurements without pH control. Finally, tap water samples were measured using the in-situ pH control method and the results showed excellent correlation (within experimental error) with a commercial instrument, demonstrating the efficacy of the developed technique. This work establishes the possibility of deploying an electrochemical based reagent-free, in-line chlorine sensor required for water distribution networks.

Electric field quenching of graphene oxide photoluminescence

With the advent of graphene, there has been an interest in utilizing this material and its derivative, graphene oxide (GO) for novel applications in nanodevices such as bio and gas sensors, solid-state supercapacitors and solar cells. Although GO exhibits lower conductivity and structural stability, it possesses an energy band gap that enables fluorescence emission in the visible/near infrared leading to a plethora of optoelectronic applications. In order to allow fine-tuning of its optical properties in the device geometry, new physical techniques are required that, unlike existing chemical approaches, yield substantial alteration of GO structure. Such a desired new technique is one that is electronically controlled and leads to reversible changes in GO optoelectronic properties. In this work, we for the first time investigate the methods to controllably alter the optical response of GO with the electric field and provide theoretical modeling of the electric field-induced changes. Field-dependent GO emission is studied in bulk GO/polyvinylpyrrolidone films with up to 6% reversible decrease under 1.6 V µm−1 electric fields. On an individual flake level, a more substantial over 50% quenching is achieved for select GO flakes in a polymeric matrix between interdigitated microelectrodes subject to two orders of magnitude higher fields. This effect is modeled on a single exciton level by utilizing Wentzel, Kremer, and Brillouin approximation for electron escape from the exciton potential well. In an aqueous suspension at low fields, GO flakes exhibit electrophoretic migration, indicating a degree of charge separation and a possibility of manipulating GO materials on a single-flake level to assemble electric field-controlled microelectronics. As a result of this work, we suggest the potential of varying the optical and electronic properties of GO via the electric field for the advancement and control over its optoelectronic device applications.

Polymeric cantilevered piezotronic strain microsensors processed by Atomic Layer Deposition

We propose an original and reliable method for processing cantilevered piezotronic strain microsensors based on diode junctions made of dominant wurtzite zinc oxide (ZnO) polycrystalline thin film by atomic layer deposition (ALD). These strain sensitive microsensors are integrated into millimetre-sized polyimide cantilevers by means of maskless laser lithography on the polymer foil, where the zinc oxide thin film is microstructured on top of patterned interdigitated platinum microelectrodes. We show how the structural and transducing properties are strongly influenced by the ALD deposition parameters, leading to the expected Schottky barrier modulation by electromechanical coupling. The linearity, sensitivity, frequency response and noise figure of the created piezotronic strain sensors are reported, leading to measured gauge factors as high as 150. Electrical power consumption inferior to 50 μW is reported.

Rapid and ultrasensitive detection of Salmonella typhimurium using a novel impedance biosensor based on SiO2@MnO2 nanocomposites and interdigitated array microelectrodes

A novel impedance biosensor was developed based on the interdigitated microelectrodes using H2O2 to reduce SiO2@MnO2 nanocomposites into Mn2+, resulting in significant impedance changes in the rapid and ultrasensitive detection of Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium). The captured S. typhimurium monoclonal antibodies (MAb1) were assembled on the outer layer of the magnetic beads (MBs) for specific enrichment and isolation of S. typhimurium cells in complex samples. The recognized S. typhimurium monoclonal antibodies (MAb2) were immobilized on the surface of the SiO2@MnO2 nanocomposites, which could react with the MBs- S. typhimurium conjugates to form the MBs- S. typhimurium -SiO2@MnO2 sandwich complexes. The MnO2 on the surface of the sandwich complexes was reduced into Mn2+ by using H2O2 achieving obvious impedance change that could be detected by the interdigitated microelectrodes. The recoveries for S. typhimurium cells at the concentrations between 2.0 × 101 and 2.0 × 105 CFU/mL were 83.1 %–97.0 % in the spiked milk samples. The limit of detection of this biosensor for S. typhimurium cells in the spiked milk samples was 21 CFU/mL. This approach possesses the merits of simple operation, high sensitivity, and low cost, potentially enabling this device to be a lab-on-a-chip for rapid screening of foodborne pathogens.

Design of a Biosensor Based on Interdigitated Microelectrodes with Detection Zone Controlled by an Integrated Microfluidic Channel

The design and simulation of a biosensor based on interdigitated microelectrodes for bacteria detection is presented. The biosensor includes a microchannel to ensure the flow of the sample through the space between microelectrodes, where the surface is biofunctionalized with antibodies to capture the bacteria. The design was built on COMSOL Multiphysics® software. The effects of the microelectrode thickness and the channel depth on the biosensor sensitivity were studied by simulation. There is a specific microelectrode thickness at which the sensitivity is maximum for Escherichia coli. The microchannel depth affects the sensitivity of the device when it is below 10 μm, approximately. The sensitivity increases when the biosensor is made with low-permittivity materials. A maximum percentage change in capacitance of around 46% was obtained by covering the total sensing area with bacteria.

Label free Impedimetric Immunosensor for effective bladder Cancer detection in clinical urine samples.

Galectin-1 protein has been recently recognized as a valuable urinary biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer. Herein, we present a sensitive and specific impedimetric immunosensor for the quantitative and label free detection of Galectin-1 protein in clinical urine samples. The immunosensor consists of nine gold interdigitated microelectrodes (3 × 3 array), which can simultaneously monitor multiple immunoreactions by analyzing the normalized impedance variations at each microelectrode during immunosensing. To obtain enhanced sensitivities, we have utilized Galectin-1/Al2O3 nanoprobes (Galectin-1 antibody conjugated to alumina nanoparticles) that can be selectively trapped on the microelectrode surface using positive dielectrophoresis (p-DEP). Preliminary studies highlight the feasibility of the proposed immunosensor for Gal -1 detection in T24 cell lysate spiked phosphate buffer saline and artificial urine samples with a limit of detection that is estimated to be in the pg/ml range. To verify its practical feasibility, we have tested the immunosensor for Galectin-1 detection in clinical urine samples obtained from normal patients and those diagnosed with bladder cancer. Analysis of the clinical tests shows that the median normalized impedance variation during immunosensing for 22 cancer patients and 26 normal patients is 27% and 10%, respectively, with an identified cutoff point of 19.5% above which the sensitivity and specificity of bladder cancer detection was 82.1% and 80.8%, respectively. Based on these results, the proposed immunosensor shows promise for bladder cancer diagnosis and prognosis in a point of care format, thus enabling improved public health monitoring.

Trimethyltriazine-derived olefin-linked covalent organic framework with ultralong nanofibers

Two-dimensional (2D) olefin-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with excellent π-electron communication and high stability are emerging as promising crystalline polymeric materials. However, because of the limited species of COFs, their characteristics, processability and potential applications have not been completely understood and explored. In this work, we prepared two novel olefin-linked 2D COFs through Knoevenagel condensation of 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-triazine with tritopic triazine-cored aldehydes. The resulting COFs exhibit highly crystalline honeycomb-like structures stacked from hexagonal-latticed polymeric layers and display well-defined nanofibrillar morphologies with the uniform diameters of ca. 80 nm and ultra-lengths up to several micrometers. Such COF nanofibers can be readily composited with carbon nanotubes into high-quality continuous thin films, which are further compacted by a typical hot-pressing process to enhance their densities and mechanical strength without changing their fibrous microstructures. Such film-fabricated interdigital microelectrodes and the ionogel electrolyte are assembled into planar micro-supercapacitors (MSCs), which exhibit an outstanding areal capacitance of 44.3 mF cm−2, large operating voltage window of 2.5 V, high volumetric energy density of 38.5 mWh cm−3 as well as excellent cycling stability.

Using Chemiresistor Sensor Arrays to Test Petrol Station Groundwater Samples for Hydrocarbon Pollutants

Groundwater monitoring is a cumbersome and expensive process. Typically, once every three to six months a technician visits a site, collects water samples, and transports them to an analytical laboratory for testing. Not only is the testing expensive, but potentially catastrophic events could remain undetected for several months. A plausible alternative could be gold nanoparticle chemiresistors sensor arrays [1]. We have previously demonstrated that gold nanoparticle chemiresistors can operate in water irrespective of the salinity of the aqueous solution [2], and an array of these chemiresistors could discriminate between different complex mixtures of hydrocarbons such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene or crude oil dissolved in artificial seawater [3]. In addition, we have demonstrated that an array can identify BTEXN in the presence of 15 other structurally relevant hydrocarbons in laboratory-grade water. In the current study we investigate how feasible is it for these chemiresistor sensors to function in real groundwater samples.Using standard photolithography techniques, we fabricate our own interdigitated electrodes. (a) in the figure depicts the glass substrate and electrodes on which an array of 16 gold nanoparticle chemiresistor sensors are deposited on. Gold nanoparticle sensors can be very small, they consist of interdigitated microelectrodes just 0.3 mm wide as shown in (b) of the figure. The sensors can be given different affinities for different analytes by changing the chemistry of the molecules that coat the gold nanoparticles, (c) in the figure demonstrates a gold nanoparticle that is functionalised with 1-hexanethiol. This work focused on eight different sensor chemistries that impart chemical sensitivity and selectivity. Depending on the chemicals present in a water sample, each sensor in the array will change their electrical resistance to a different extent, providing a pattern of response or fingerprint.Groundwater samples were collected from 14 sites across western, central, and northern Sydney, Australia. From these sites, 48 samples were tested. Supplementary laboratory testing showed there was a variety of hydrocarbon contamination in the different samples. Though the testing order was randomised, generally the samples were tested in increasing order of known hydrocarbon contamination. Experiments were performed to determine the limit of detection in one groundwater sample, and the effect of the 48 different groundwater samples on the sensitivity of chemiresistor sensors.The limit of detection for benzene in a real groundwater sample was 70 µg/L. The sensor’s performance was determined to be even better for the other analytes: toluene was 30 µg/L, ethylbenzene was 11 µg/L, p-xylene was 13 µg/L, and naphthalene was 6 µg/L. BTEXN Limits of detection in groundwater are equivalent to the limits of detection previously determined when operating in laboratory-grade water.One type of chemiresistor sensor functionalised with 1-heptanethiol was especially resilient to 90% of the groundwater samples provided from across Sydney. On average, this sensor type experienced a negligible loss in sensitivity; it demonstrated an average normalised sensitivity decrease to the internal standard of only 6% after exposure to 48 different groundwater samples. For the remaining six other chemiresistor sensor types there was a range of normalised sensitivity losses between 15% – 58%.Gold nanoparticle chemiresistor sensors have been demonstrated to maintain their limits of detection to BTEXN analytes in real groundwater samples. Exposure to a variety of different groundwater samples from numerous sites across Sydney afforded valuable information on the performance of different chemiresistor sensor types. This feasibility study has laid a strong foundation for the next stage of work; developing a remotely deployed device that monitors the hydrocarbon ‘health’ of groundwater in a well, remotely and in real-time. 1. Ho, C.K., Robinson, A., Miller, D.R., Davis, M.J., Overview of sensors and needs for environmental monitoring, Sensors, 5 (2005) 4-37.2. Raguse, B., Chow, E., Barton, C.S., Wieczorek, L., Gold nanoparticle chemiresistor sensors: Direct sensing of organics in aqueous electrolyte solution, Analytical Chemistry, 79 (2007) 7333-7339.3. Cooper, J.S., Raguse, B., Chow, E., Hubble, L., Müller, K.H., Wieczorek, L., Gold nanoparticle chemiresistor sensor array that differentiates between hydrocarbon fuels dissolved in artificial seawater, Analytical Chemistry, 82 (2010) 3788-3795. Figure 1

Electric Field Quenching of Graphene Oxide Photoluminescence

With the advent of graphene, there has been an interest in utilizing this material and its derivative, graphene oxide (GO) for novel applications in biotechnology, electronics, photonics, materials and environmental science. Although GO exhibits lower conductivity and structural stability, it possesses an energy band gap that enables fluorescence emission in the visible/near infrared leading to a plethora of optoelectronic applications. In order to enable fine-tuning of its optical properties in the device geometry, new physical techniques are required that unlike existing chemical approaches yielding substantial alteration of GO structure, enable electronically-controlled and, ideally, reversible changes in GO optoelectronic properties. In this work, we for the first time investigate the methods to controllably alter the optical response of GO with the electric field and provide theoretical modelling of the electric field-induced changes. Field-dependent GO emission is studied in bulk GO/PVP films with up to 6% reversible decrease under 1.6 V/µm electric fields. On an individual flake level a more substantial 50% quenching is achieved for select GO flakes in polymeric matrix between interdigitated microelectrodes subject to two orders of magnitude higher fields. This effect is modelled on a single exciton level by utilizing WKB approximation for electron escape form the exciton potential well. In an aqueous suspension at low fields GO flakes exhibit electrophoretic migration indicating a degree of charge separation and a possibility of manipulating GO materials on a single-flake level to assemble electric field-controlled microelectronics. As a result of this work, we suggest the potential of varying the optical and electronic properties of GO via the electric field for the advancement and control over its optoelectronic device applications.