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An electrochemical perchlorate sensor

Detailed Technology Description

None

*Abstract

BackgroundPublic concern about perchlorate in the environment has steadily increased in recent years. In addition to its natural existence, perchlorate is used as an oxidant in solid rocket fuel, matches, fireworks, automobile airbag-inflation systems, and a variety of other industrial applications including the production of dyes, paints, and rubber. Recently, trace perchlorate (1-100 ppb) was found in drinking water, human and cows milk, and produce. Potential health effects associated with perchlorate include disruption of the thyroid function by competitive inhibition of iodide transport. The resulting reduction of thyroid hormone production can impair the gland development as seen in conditions of hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia. Pregnant women, children, and people with compromised thyroid function are particularly at risk. The action limit of perchlorate in drinking water is set to 24.5 ppb (250 nM) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).TechnologyThis is an electrochemical sensor with a low detection limit of 0.5-1 nM perchlorate in 0.1 M Li2SO4 solutions prepared with deionized water, commercial bottled water, or tap water. A micrometer PVC membrane is deposited on a gold electrode to which a positive charge is applied, which results in perchlorate ions coming out of solution and depositing in the PVC membrane. After a short time the charge is reversed with the release of perchlorate ions, which operates in a mode of hydrodynamic stripping voltammetry. From the released concentrated perchlorate ions a very sensitive detection of these ions is quickly determined.Advantages1) Lower in cost 2) More portable than existing analytical systems3) Offers the potential to give a much faster result.Stage of DevelopmentA prototype device was developed to obtain a low detection limit of 0.5-1 nM perchlorate in 0.1 M Li2SO4 solutions prepared with deionized water, commercial bottled water, or tap water.Provisional Patent Application Filed

*Principal Investigator

Name: Shigeru Amemiya

Department: Chemistry

Name: Yushin Kim, graduate student

Department: Chemistry

Country/Region

USA