Instant pH sensor based on the functionalized cellulose for detecting strong acid leaks.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Acid spills pose significant environmental and safety risks.
• Existing methods for detecting acid leaks using cellulose are often complex and time-consuming.
• There is a need for rapid and efficient acid leak detection systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple and rapid synthesis method for a cellulose-based pH sensor.
• To create a sensor capable of detecting strong acid leaks quickly.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed sensor in a prototype system.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of α-cellulose using chloroacetyl chloride.
• Covalent immobilization of Congo red dye onto functionalized cellulose.
• Two-step manufacturing process completed within 8 hours.

Main Results:

• The developed cellulose-based pH sensor operates effectively in the pH range of 0.2 to 3.0.
• The sensor exhibits a rapid response time of less than 1 second.
• A prototype system successfully detected acid leaks quickly and easily.

Conclusions:

• A simple and rapid method for manufacturing a cellulose-based pH sensor has been developed.
• The sensor demonstrates high sensitivity and a fast response time for detecting strong acids.
• The developed sensor and prototype system offer a promising solution for real-time acid leak monitoring.