Abstract
The University of Central Florida invention is a new process for fabricating a reliable and low-cost in situ manganese (Mn) sensing device. It involves the deposition of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) and a biopolymer composite that can be used to electrochemically detect manganese ions (Mn2+) in water. The TMD/biopolymer composite is deposited using a wet chemical approach, which is cost-effective compared to photolithography or other physical deposition techniques. To further reduce manufacturing costs, the device can be fabricated in a plastic substrate. Since conventional analytical methods don’t easily or rapidly assess Mn levels at point-of-use (POU), the UCF electrochemical sensors technique is an alternative and innovative methodology for detecting Mn2+ in water.
Technical Details: The innovative approach modifies the well-known ex-situ sensor using mercury, a highly toxic, non-biodegradable heavy metal. In contrast to using mercury, the UCF technology uses chitosan: a natural, low-cost, biopolymer and alternative to mercury. By using a transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) such as MoS2 (a low-cost material) and a biopolymer such as chitosan, the invention improves the sensitivity and stability of manganese ion detection at low levels. Also, the invention uses cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV) as a reliable electrochemical analytical technique for accurate measurements of Mn2+.
The TMD-biopolymer composite can be coated on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), allowing for a sensor that can be used under time and locational constraints. The modifiable SPCE sensor allows for target object specifications to be met at a low-cost, highly reproducible rate. When compared with other electrochemical sensors for Mn2+ detection, the UCF TMD-biopolymer-coated SPCE sensor provided comparable sensitivity.
Partnering Opportunity: The research team is seeking partners for licensing, research collaboration, or both.
Stage of Development: Prototype available.
Benefit
Decreases the fabrication/production cost per one sensor with improved sensitivity due to a synergetic effect of biopolymer on heavy metal holdingOne unit electrode price is expected to be less than $10Market Application
Mn2+ detection in various water resources (for example, drinking or surface water)Companies that detect Mn2+ for on-site testing in drinking, ground and wastewaterPublications
- Biopolymer-based Electrochemical Detection of Manganese Ion Concentrations in Water, 2023 AEESP Research and Education Conference, Boston, MA, June 20–23, 2023.
- Biopolymer-based Electrochemical Detection of Manganese Ion Concentrations in Drinking Water, Japan Water Works Association (JWWA) Annual Conference, Tokyo, Japan, Oct.18–20, 2023.
Brochure
