Apparatus and method for detecting trace metals with electrically conductive diamond electrodes
Inventors
Becker, Michael Frank • Schuelke, Thomas
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11073494-B2
Publication Date
2021-07-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
A trace metal analysis detector and method of operating the same to detect metals in various fluid samples using boron doped diamond working electrodes.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system for detecting trace metals in a fluid using anodic/cathodic stripping voltammetry with a boron doped diamond electrode. The system includes a detector configured to receive a fluid sample in at least one input and through at least one passageway extending therefrom to an analysis chamber where the boron doped diamond electrode is located proximate to the analysis chamber, together with a reference electrode and a counter electrode. A pH meter is located in at least one of the analysis chamber and at least one of the passageways, and a pH electrode is configured to modify pH of the fluid passing through a passageway extending between an input chamber and the analysis chamber.
The invention addresses peak overlap and interference by using multi-working-electrode operation arranged using multiple passageways and analysis chambers configured in parallel, series, and/or layered microfluidic compartments on a lab-on-a-chip. By providing different deposition potentials and routing the fluid through different analysis chamber arrangements, the system enables detection with reduced interference from overlapping ionic species signals. The boron doped diamond conductive diamond electrode material is described as enabling a wider potential window, low background current, stability, and non-mercury operation for trace-metal detection.
The invention further includes pH adjustment and dilution modules integrated into the fluid path using acid/base chambers and separate pH electrodes and pH monitoring to modulate detection while maintaining repeatability. It also includes optional pretreatment to break organics by hydroxyl radicals for total versus free metal content. The document indicates that these features support trace-metal detection at parts per trillion levels using an algorithm for trace metal concentration.
Claims Coverage
Independent claims cover a trace-metal detection system that combines a boron doped diamond electrode with reference and counter electrodes proximate to an analysis chamber and integrates pH measurement and pH modification using a pH meter and a pH modifying structure, with additional claim sets covering multi-passageway and multi-chamber routing arrangements.
Trace metal detection system with passageways to an analysis chamber and BDD electrode stack
A system for detecting trace metals in a fluid comprising a detector configured to receive a fluid sample in at least one input and at least one passageway extending therefrom; a boron doped diamond electrode; a reference electrode; a counter electrode; an analysis chamber and wherein said boron doped diamond electrode is located proximate to said analysis chamber and a pH meter located in at least one of said analysis chamber and at least one of said at least one passageway; a passageway of said at least one passageway, extending between an input chamber and said analysis chamber; and a pH electrode configured to modify pH of the fluid passing through the second passageway.
Series and parallel analysis chamber and passageway routing
The system further includes at least one additional passageway and at least one additional analysis chamber arranged in series with said first passageway and analysis chamber; and the system is further expanded with additional passageways and additional analysis chambers arranged in parallel with the first passageway and first analysis chamber, and further includes additional passageways and analysis chambers arranged in series.
Chip-based multi-electrode BDD detector in passageway
The detector is a chip containing multiple boron-doped diamond electrodes in the passageway.
Detector construction forming passageways and chambers
The detector is a chip with a substrate, a gasket, and a top layer that together form passageways and chambers.
Constrained pH electrode placement with pH meter in analysis chamber
The system further includes a pH meter in said analysis chamber, and wherein the pH electrode is only located in said second passageway.
pH modifying chamber supplying different pH fluid to analysis chamber
A system for detecting trace metals in a fluid comprising a detector configured to receive a fluid sample in at least one input and at least one passageway extending therefrom; a boron doped diamond electrode; a reference electrode; a counter electrode; an analysis chamber and wherein said boron doped diamond electrode is located proximate to said analysis chamber and a pH meter located in at least one of said analysis chamber and at least one of said at least one passageway; and a pH modifying chamber configured to supply a fluid having a different pH than the sample to the analysis chamber and wherein the analysis chamber includes a pH meter.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is the combination of a boron doped diamond electrode with reference and counter electrodes located proximate to an analysis chamber, and integrated pH measurement and pH modification using a pH meter and pH modifying structures in or near passageways and/or an analysis chamber, including embodiments with series and parallel multi-chamber routing and chip-based multi-electrode construction.
Stated Advantages
Enables a wider potential window for stripping voltammetry.
Provides low background current.
Provides stability.
Provides non-mercury operation.
Enables trace metal detection at parts per trillion levels using an algorithm.
Reduces metal-ion peak overlap/interference by multi-working-electrode operation using parallel, series, and layered microfluidic compartments.
Improves accuracy by reducing overlap/interference.
Supports total versus free metal content via optional pretreatment with hydroxyl radicals.
Supports water disinfection/purification via radical generation and subsequent heavy-metal capture.
Documented Applications
Water disinfection/purification using radical generation and subsequent heavy-metal capture.
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