Clean Technology
Electrodes with Low-Cost Replaceable Tips
WARF: P120016US02
Inventors: Sundaram Gunasekaran, Jiang Yang
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing solid-surface working electrodes having detachable tips that may be mass produced and require no cleaning.
Overview
Electrodes routinely are used in electrochemical sensing, fuel cells, batteries and numerous other applications. Critically, the surface of an electrode must be clean before sensing elements can be attached and used. This process is laborious and expensive due to the chemicals and polishing materials involved. Also, with repeated use, the electrode surface can scuff and degrade performance. Electrodes cost hundreds of dollars to replace.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a new electrode design incorporating disposable tips. The tips can have a snapping mechanism or embedded magnet that attaches to the main shaft of the electrode. An insulating material seals the connection against any liquid. The tips may be modified with other entities such as nanoparticles, enzymes and antibodies.
Applications
- Electrodes for use in sensing, fuel cells, batteries, glucose measurement and other research
Key Benefits
- Eliminates time-consuming cleaning
- Could make expensive electrodes last longer with more reliable performance
- Design is intuitive and can be implemented with basically any electrochemical application.
- Parts can be mass produced.
- Alternative to screen-printed electrodes, while using more reliable solid reference and counter electrodes
- Good for materials that are grown on a substrate or that cannot be printed such as thin films and carbon nanotube arrays
Stage of Development
Results using several prototypes showed excellent reproducibility and compared favorably with standard electrodes.
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
Tech Fields
For current licensing status, please contact Michael Carey at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9867