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1 – 10 of over 4000
Article
Publication date: 10 May 2011

J.K. Atkinson, M. Glanc, P. Boltryk, M. Sophocleous and E. Garcia‐Breijo

The purpose of this paper is to show how the fabrication parameters of screen‐printed thick‐film reference electrodes have been experimentally varied and their effect on device…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the fabrication parameters of screen‐printed thick‐film reference electrodes have been experimentally varied and their effect on device characteristics investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The tested devices were fabricated as screen‐printed planar structures consisting of a silver back contact, a silver/silver chloride interfacial layer and a final salt reservoir layer containing potassium chloride. The fabrication parameters varied included deposition method and thickness, salt concentration and binder type used for the final salt reservoir layer. Characterisation was achieved by monitoring the electrode potentials as a function of time following initial immersion in test fluids in order to ascertain initial hydration times, subsequent electrode drift rates and useful lifetime of the electrodes. Additionally, the effect of fabrication parameter variation on electrode stability and their response time in various test media was also investigated.

Findings

Results indicate that, although a trade‐off exists between hydration times and drift rate that is dependent on device thickness, the initial salt concentration levels and binder type also have a significant bearing on the practical useful lifetime. Generally speaking, thicker devices take longer to hydrate but have longer useful lifetimes in a given range of chloride environments. However, the electrode stability and response time is also influenced by the type of binder material employed for the final salt reservoir layer.

Originality/value

The reported results help to explain better the behaviour of thick‐film reference electrodes and contribute towards the optimisation of their design and fabrication for use in solid‐state chemical sensors.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 December 2022

Haowei Zhang, Lili Sun, Chengli Song, Ying Liu, Xueting Xuan, Fei Wang, Jing Zhong and Li Sun

Design, fabricate and evaluate all-solid-state wearable sensor systems that can monitor ion concentrations in human sweat to provide real time health analysis and disease…

Abstract

Purpose

Design, fabricate and evaluate all-solid-state wearable sensor systems that can monitor ion concentrations in human sweat to provide real time health analysis and disease diagnosis capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A human health monitoring system includes disposable customized flexible electrode array and a compact signal transmission-processing electronic unit.

Findings

Patterned rGO (reduced-graphene oxide) layers can replace traditional metal electrodes for the fabrication of free-standing all solid film sensors to provide improved flexibility, sensitivity, selectivity, and stability in ion concentration monitoring. Electrochemical measurements show the open circuit potential of current selective electrodes exhibit near Nernst responses versus Na+ and K+ ion concentration in sweat. These signals show great stability during a typical measurement period of 3 weeks. Sensor performances evaluated through real time measurements on human subjects show strong correlations between subject activity and sweating levels, confirming high degree of robustness, sensitivity, reliability and practicality of current sensor systems.

Originality/value

In improving flexibility, stability and interfacial coherency of chemical sensor arrays, rGO films have been the developed as a high-performance alternative to conventional electrode with significant cost and processing complexity reduction. rGO supported solid state electrode arrays have been found to have linear potential response versus ion concentration, suitable for electrochemical sensing applications. Current sweat sensor system has a high degree of integration, including electrode arrays, signal processing circuits, and data visualization interfaces.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2004

Krzysztof Zakowski and Kazimierz Darowicki

Results of investigations on a working cathodic protection installation of two underground LPG tanks are presented. The efficiency of anodes and buried reference electrodes were…

Abstract

Results of investigations on a working cathodic protection installation of two underground LPG tanks are presented. The efficiency of anodes and buried reference electrodes were evaluated using electrochemical impedance measurements. On the basis of the impedance spectra obtained it can be shown how one of the anodes attached to the long anode line works inefficiently. In addition, the potential distribution map for the protected tanks is presented. On the basis of this information, an electric connection was revealed from the tanks to the neighbouring reinforced concrete structures, this being inconsistent with the technical guidelines for the cathodic protection installation. The inspection performed on the installation yielded some recommendations concerning the operational parameters and the identification and replacement of defective components.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 51 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2003

K. Zakowski and K. Darowicki

Sources have been described of corrosively hazardous electric fields and methods of determination of the corrosion hazard to metal structures caused by electrolytic corrosion…

Abstract

Sources have been described of corrosively hazardous electric fields and methods of determination of the corrosion hazard to metal structures caused by electrolytic corrosion. Results of potential and impedance investigations in the field of stray currents flowing out of a tram traction and in the presence of a defined electric field of low frequency have been presented. Uncertainties have been indicated relating to the generally accepted interpretation principles of measurement results in the presence of electric fields. The possibility has been indicated of incorporating the impedance spectroscopy technique to potential‐voltage investigations, allowing estimation of the real corrosion interaction of stray currents on underground structures.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 50 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Xingxing Li, Shixi You, Zengchang Fan, Guangjun Li and Li Fu

This review provides an overview of recent advances in electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, highlighting their potential applications in diagnostics and health…

Abstract

Purpose

This review provides an overview of recent advances in electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, highlighting their potential applications in diagnostics and health care. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current state of the field, identify challenges and limitations and discuss future prospects for the development of saliva-based electrochemical sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews relevant literature and research articles to examine the latest developments in electrochemical sensing technologies for saliva analysis. It explores the use of various electrode materials, including carbon nanomaterial, metal nanoparticles and conducting polymers, as well as the integration of microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices and wearable/implantable technologies. The design and fabrication methodologies used in these sensors are discussed, along with sample preparation techniques and biorecognition elements for enhancing sensor performance.

Findings

Electrochemical sensors for salivary analyte detection have demonstrated excellent potential for noninvasive, rapid and cost-effective diagnostics. Recent advancements have resulted in improved sensor selectivity, stability, sensitivity and compatibility with complex saliva samples. Integration with microfluidics and LOC technologies has shown promise in enhancing sensor efficiency and accuracy. In addition, wearable and implantable sensors enable continuous, real-time monitoring of salivary analytes, opening new avenues for personalized health care and disease management.

Originality/value

This review presents an up-to-date overview of electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, offering insights into their design, fabrication and performance. It highlights the originality and value of integrating electrochemical sensing with microfluidics, wearable/implantable technologies and point-of-care testing platforms. The review also identifies challenges and limitations, such as interference from other saliva components and the need for improved stability and reproducibility. Future prospects include the development of novel microfluidic devices, advanced materials and user-friendly diagnostic devices to unlock the full potential of saliva-based electrochemical sensing in clinical practice.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2008

Qun‐jie Xu and Guo‐ding Zhou

The purpose of this paper is to provide useful information pertaining to the corrosion inhibition mechanism of BTA and its derivatives on copper.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide useful information pertaining to the corrosion inhibition mechanism of BTA and its derivatives on copper.

Design/methodology/approach

The photoelectrochemical behavior of copper electrodes in buffered borax solutions (pH 9.2) containing BTA and its derivatives was comparatively studied by using a photoelectrochemical technique. It was possible to analyze the inhibition mechanism of the derivatives of BTA for copper corrosion from the photoelectrochemical results. The photoresponse of the Cu electrode in buffered borax solutions containing BTA and its derivatives was measured. Different concentrations and different kinds of inhibitors may result in different photoresponses on the Cu electrode in buffered borax solutions.

Findings

The photoresponse for copper electrodes in solutions containing a certain amount of BTA exhibits an n‐type response during anodic polarization and, the greater the n‐type photoresponse, the better the performance of the inhibitor. The photoresponse for copper electrodes in solutions containing 4CBTA, or 5CBTA, or CBT‐1, always exhibited p‐type behavior during anodic polarization, but the photoresponse changed very evidently during cathodic polarization. The larger the maximum cathodic photocurrent, then the greater was the effectiveness of the corrosion inhibitor. In consequence, it is possible to evaluate inhibitors according to ΦV and iph at more negative potentials. The more negative the ΦV and iph, the better is the inhibition. It was shown that the inhibition mechanism of the derivatives of BTA with a −COOH group was different from that occurring with ester groups. The former could make the Cu2O film on the Cu electrode thicker. The photocurrent was observed to increase when the potential was scanned to more negative potentials in the presence of certain concentrated inhibitors. It is therefore possible to evaluate the performance of inhibitors according to the value of the cathodic photocurrent. The larger the cathodic photocurrent, the better is the inhibition effect of the compound. The latter could increase the density of the polymer film on the copper electrode and prevent O2− in the solution from entering the copper surface and changing the stoichiometric ratio of Cu2O. The photocurrent type could transfer from p‐ to n‐type according to the action of certain concentrated inhibitors when the potential was scanned to more positive potentials. The value of the anodic photocurrent can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of inhibition. The larger the anodic photocurrent, the greater is the inhibition effect.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information pertaining to the corrosion inhibition mechanism of BTA and its derivatives on copper. The photoelectrochemical technique is an effective method with which to evaluate the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors and to investigate the mechanism of corrosion inhibition on copper.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 55 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 December 2019

Zeinab Abdel Hamid, H.B. Hassan and Mohamed Sultan

The improvement of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance requires more efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts. The purpose of this study is to prepare Ni-W and…

Abstract

Purpose

The improvement of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance requires more efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts. The purpose of this study is to prepare Ni-W and Ni-W-P thin films using the electrodeposition technique using a pulse current and investigate their behaviors toward HER in an acidic solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to prepare Ni-W and Ni-W-P films by the electrodeposition technique using a pulse current and estimate their performance for the HER. The surface morphologies and chemical compositions of the deposited films were assessed using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction. Linear sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometry, Tafel plots and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to evaluate the prepared electrodes toward the hydrogen evolution process.

Findings

The main conclusion is that the surface morphology of Ni–W deposited film is a crystalline structure, while that of Ni-W-P deposit is an amorphous structure. HER activity on Ni-W electrodes increases with decreasing the Wt.% of W to 7.83 Wt.% in the prepared electrodes. In addition, the presence of P enhances HER activity, which increases with increasing the Wt.% of P in the prepared Ni-W-P electrodes. Both Ni-W (7.83 Wt.% W) and Ni-W-P (20.34 Wt.% P), which have been prepared at 8 A dm−2 display the best performance toward HER compared to the other prepared electrodes. They exhibit high catalytic activities toward HER, which is evidenced by high hydrogen evolution current density values of 9.52 and 33.98 mA cm−2, low onset potentials of −0.73 and −0.63 V, low Tafel slopes of −125 mV/dec, high exchange current densities of 0.058 and 0.20 mA cm−2, low charge transfer resistances (Rct) of 226.28 and 75.8 ohm·cm2 for Ni-W (7.83  Wt.% W) and Ni-W-P (20.34  Wt.% P), respectively; moreover, they exhibited considerable stabilities too.

Originality/value

The results presented in this work are an insight into understanding the performance of the prepared Cu electrodes coated by Ni-W and Ni-W-P films toward HER. In this work, a consistent assessment of the results achieved on laboratory scale has been conducted.

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2022

Bin Zhao, Yawei Zhou, Junfeng Qu, Fei Yin, Shaoqing Yin, Yongwei Chang and Wu Zhang

Since carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were discovered by Iijima in 1991, they have gained more and more attention by people because of their unique physical and chemical properties. The…

Abstract

Purpose

Since carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were discovered by Iijima in 1991, they have gained more and more attention by people because of their unique physical and chemical properties. The CNTs have one-dimensional nanostructure, high surface adsorption capacity, good conductivity and electronic ballistic transmission characteristics and therefore have excellent mechanical, electrical, physical and chemical properties. CNTs are ideal basic materials to make nanometer gas sensors. Nanometallic materials function as to enhance electrode activity and promote the electron transfer, so if composite nanometallic materials M (such as Au, Pt, Cu and Pd) and CNTs are used, all kinds of their characters of components would have coeffect. Electrochemical sensors by use of such composite as electrode would have a higher detection sensitivity.

Design/methodology/approach

CNTs were synthesized via chemical vapor deposition technique and were purified afterward. CNTs-M(Pt,Au) suspension was prepared by chemical deposition using spinning disc processor (SDP) and was coated on gold electrode. The modified electrodes were constructed, based on immobilization of glucose oxidase on an Au electrode by electrostatic effect. CNTs-Pt/ glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) electrodes were made by electrochemically deposition of platinum particles on GCE modified by CNTs. The microstructures of the harvested CNTs, CNTs-M (M = Au, Pt) were analyzed under scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The application of the sensor in medical detection has been evaluated.

Findings

The results shown that CNTs-Au biosensors exhibit good reproducibility, stability and fast response to glucose detection, it can be used in the clinic detection of glucose concentration in human serum. Using CNTs-Pt/GCE for formaldehyde detection exhibited high sensitivity and good reproducibility.

Originality/value

This study modified CNTs by using self-assembled techniques through SDP with nano Pt and Au by electrodeposition for the first time. CNTs-Pt/GCE electrode was prepared by depositing platinum particles electrochemically on GCE modified by CNTs. CNTs-Au-modified electrode was prepared by immobilization of glucose oxidase on an Au electrode first by electrostatic effect. Electrochemical behaviors of glucose at CNTs-Au and formaldehyde at CNTs-Pt/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 42 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1978

G.H. Backhouse

Introduction Cathodic protection is used to prevent corrosion of buried or immersed steel structures. Current is made to enter the surface of the structure via a system of anodes…

Abstract

Introduction Cathodic protection is used to prevent corrosion of buried or immersed steel structures. Current is made to enter the surface of the structure via a system of anodes, and the structure is the cathode, hence the name cathodic protection.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 25 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2019

Qian Hu, Saiwen Lu, Jing Liu and Feng Huang

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the influence of bicarbonate, chloride and outer electrode potential on crevice corrosion occurrence and development of X70 steel.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the influence of bicarbonate, chloride and outer electrode potential on crevice corrosion occurrence and development of X70 steel.

Design/methodology/approach

The crevice corrosion behavior in NaHCO3 and NaCl solutions was investigated through modeling and experiments. The electrode potential and current density distribution were simulated, and the acidification of crevice solution was monitored in situ.

Findings

The bicarbonate concentration and outer electrode potential remarkably influenced the occurrence of crevice corrosion. The former changes the passivation curves, and the latter alters the initial potential. Moreover, chloride concentration exerted minimal influence. The location of acidification and pitting occurrences depended on the potential difference between the outer electrode and electrode at the active dissolution current peak.

Originality/value

This study provides a better understanding of the crevice corrosion behavior and mechanism under natural conditions.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 66 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 4000