Newly designed dual-mode electrochemical sensor onto a single polydimethylsiloxane-based chip.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Microfluidics
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional electrochemical sensors often face challenges with reference electrode integration and sample-interference.
• Developing robust and integrated microfluidic platforms is crucial for efficient on-site water quality monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based millifluidic device with an integrated dual-mode electrochemical sensor.
• To evaluate the device's performance for the amperometric detection of salicylic acid in environmental water samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a planar PDMS millifluidic chip with a serpentine channel and an integrated electrochemical sensor.
• Characterization of channel geometries and electrochemical properties, including a novel integrated reference electrode design.
• Amperometric detection of salicylic acid in tap water, lake water, and groundwater samples.

Main Results:

• The integrated reference electrode design improved electrochemical properties compared to classical configurations.
• The PDMS-based millifluidic device demonstrated successful amperometric detection of salicylic acid.
• The device exhibited high tolerance to external disturbances and no surface inactivation from sample-interference.

Conclusions:

• The developed PDMS millifluidic device with an integrated electrochemical sensor is a promising platform for water analysis.
• The novel sensor design and integrated approach offer enhanced performance and robustness for environmental monitoring applications.