Sample records for standard electrode potentials

  1. Standard electrode potential, Tafel equation, and the solvation thermodynamics.

    PubMed

    Matyushov, Dmitry V

    2009-06-21

    Equilibrium in the electronic subsystem across the solution-metal interface is considered to connect the standard electrode potential to the statistics of localized electronic states in solution. We argue that a correct derivation of the Nernst equation for the electrode potential requires a careful separation of the relevant time scales. An equation for the standard metal potential is derived linking it to the thermodynamics of solvation. The Anderson-Newns model for electronic delocalization between the solution and the electrode is combined with a bilinear model of solute-solvent coupling introducing nonlinear solvation into the theory of heterogeneous electron transfer. We therefore are capable of addressing the question of how nonlinear solvation affects electrochemical observables. The transfer coefficient of electrode kinetics is shown to be equal to the derivative of the free energy, or generalized force, required to shift the unoccupied electronic level in the bulk. The transfer coefficient thus directly quantifies the extent of nonlinear solvation of the redox couple. The current model allows the transfer coefficient to deviate from the value of 0.5 of the linear solvation models at zero electrode overpotential. The electrode current curves become asymmetric in respect to the change in the sign of the electrode overpotential.

  2. A Simple Hydrogen Electrode

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eggen, Per-Odd

    2009-01-01

    This article describes the construction of an inexpensive, robust, and simple hydrogen electrode, as well as the use of this electrode to measure "standard" potentials. In the experiment described here the students can measure the reduction potentials of metal-metal ion pairs directly, without using a secondary reference electrode. Measurements…

  3. Process for dezincing galvanized steel

    DOEpatents

    Morgan, W.A.; Dudek, F.J.; Daniels, E.J.

    1998-07-14

    A process is described for removing zinc from galvanized steel. The galvanized steel is immersed in an electrolyte containing at least about 15% by weight of sodium or potassium hydroxide and having a temperature of at least about 75 C and the zinc is galvanically corroded from the surface of the galvanized steel. The material serving as the cathode is principally a material having a standard electrode potential which is intermediate of the standard electrode potentials of zinc and cadmium in the electrochemical series. The corrosion rate may be accelerated by (1) increasing the number density of corrosion sites in the galvanized steel by mechanically abrading or deforming the galvanized steel, (2) heating the galvanized steel to form an alloy of zinc on the surface of the galvanized steel, (3) mixing the galvanized steel with a material having a standard electrode potential which is intermediate of the standard electrode potentials of zinc and cadmium in the electrochemical series, or (4) moving the galvanized steel relative to itself and to the electrolyte while immersed in the electrolyte. 1 fig.

  4. Process for dezincing galvanized steel

    DOEpatents

    Morgan, William A.; Dudek, Frederick J.; Daniels, Edward J.

    1998-01-01

    A process for removing zinc from galvanized steel. The galvanized steel is immersed in an electrolyte containing at least about 15% by weight of sodium or potassium hydroxide and having a temperature of at least about 75.degree. C. and the zinc is galvanically corroded from the surface of the galvanized steel. The material serving as the cathode is principally a material having a standard electrode potential which is intermediate of the standard electrode potentials of zinc and cadmium in the electrochemical series. The corrosion rate may be accelerated by (i) increasing the number density of corrosion sites in the galvanized steel by mechanically abrading or deforming the galvanized steel, (ii) heating the galvanized steel to form an alloy of zinc on the surface of the galvanized steel, (iii) mixing the galvanized steel with a material having a standard electrode potential which is intermediate of the standard electrode potentials of zinc and cadmium in the electrochemical series, or (iv) moving the galvanized steel relative to itself and to the electrolyte while immersed in the electrolyte.

  5. Small-Scale and Low Cost Electrodes for "Standard" Reduction Potential Measurements

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eggen, Per-Odd; Kvittingen, Lise

    2007-01-01

    The construction of three simple and inexpensive electrodes, hydrogen, and chlorine and copper electrode is described. This simple method will encourage students to construct their own electrode and better help in understanding precipitation and other electrochemistry concepts.

  6. Spatially resolved, in situ potential measurements through porous electrodes as applied to fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Hess, Katherine C; Epting, William K; Litster, Shawn

    2011-12-15

    We report the development and use of a microstructured electrode scaffold (MES) to make spatially resolved, in situ, electrolyte potential measurements through the thickness of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) electrode. This new approach uses a microfabricated apparatus to analyze the coupled transport and electrochemical phenomena in porous electrodes at the microscale. In this study, the MES allows the fuel cell to run under near-standard operating conditions, while providing electrolyte potential measurements at discrete distances through the electrode's thickness. Here we use spatial distributions of electrolyte potential to evaluate the effects of Ohmic and mass transport resistances on the through-plane reaction distribution for various operating conditions. Additionally, we use the potential distributions to estimate the ionic conductivity of the electrode. Our results indicate the in situ conductivity is higher than typically estimated for PEFC electrodes based on bulk polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) conductivity.

  7. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Branch, Shirmir D.; Lines, Amanda M.; Lynch, John

    The electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical applications of an optically transparent thin film electrode chip are investigated. The working electrode is composed of indium tin oxide (ITO); the counter and quasi-reference electrodes are composed of platinum. The stability of the platinum quasi-reference electrode is modified by coating it with a planar, solid state Ag/AgCl layer. The Ag/AgCl reference is characterized with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Open circuit potential measurements indicate that the potential of the planar Ag/AgCl electrode varies a maximum of 20 mV over four days. Cyclic voltammetry measurements show that the electrode chip is comparable to amore » standard electrochemical cell. Randles-Sevcik analysis of 10 mM K3[Fe(CN)6] in 0.1 M KCl using the electrode chip shows a diffusion coefficient of 1.59 × 10-6 cm2/s, in comparison to the standard electrochemical cell value of 2.38 × 10-6 cm2/s. By using the electrode chip in an optically transparent thin layer electrode (OTTLE), the spectroelectrochemical modulation of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ florescence was demonstrated, achieving a detection limit of 36 nM.« less

  8. How do reference montage and electrodes setup affect the measured scalp EEG potentials?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Shiang; Lai, Yongxiu; Valdes-Sosa, Pedro A.; Bringas-Vega, Maria L.; Yao, Dezhong

    2018-04-01

    Objective. Human scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) is widely applied in cognitive neuroscience and clinical studies due to its non-invasiveness and ultra-high time resolution. However, the representativeness of the measured EEG potentials for the underneath neural activities is still a problem under debate. This study aims to investigate systematically how both reference montage and electrodes setup affect the accuracy of EEG potentials. Approach. First, the standard EEG potentials are generated by the forward calculation with a single dipole in the neural source space, for eleven channel numbers (10, 16, 21, 32, 64, 85, 96, 128, 129, 257, 335). Here, the reference is the ideal infinity implicitly determined by forward theory. Then, the standard EEG potentials are transformed to recordings with different references including five mono-polar references (Left earlobe, Fz, Pz, Oz, Cz), and three re-references (linked mastoids (LM), average reference (AR) and reference electrode standardization technique (REST)). Finally, the relative errors between the standard EEG potentials and the transformed ones are evaluated in terms of channel number, scalp regions, electrodes layout, dipole source position and orientation, as well as sensor noise and head model. Main results. Mono-polar reference recordings are usually of large distortions; thus, a re-reference after online mono-polar recording should be adopted in general to mitigate this effect. Among the three re-references, REST is generally superior to AR for all factors compared, and LM performs worst. REST is insensitive to head model perturbation. AR is subject to electrodes coverage and dipole orientation but no close relation with channel number. Significance. These results indicate that REST would be the first choice of re-reference and AR may be an alternative option for high level sensor noise case. Our findings may provide the helpful suggestions on how to obtain the EEG potentials as accurately as possible for cognitive neuroscientists and clinicians.

  9. Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing.

    PubMed

    Munir, Selin; Pelletier, Matthew H; Walsh, William R

    2016-09-04

    Different metallic materials have different polarization characteristics as dictated by the open circuit potential, breakdown potential, and passivation potential of the material. The detection of these electrochemical parameters identifies the corrosion factors of a material. A reliable and well-functioning corrosion system is required to achieve this. Corrosion of the samples was achieved via a potentiodynamic polarization technique employing a three-electrode configuration, consisting of reference, counter, and working electrodes. Prior to commencement a baseline potential is obtained. Following the stabilization of the corrosion potential (Ecorr), the applied potential is ramped at a slow rate in the positive direction relative to the reference electrode. The working electrode was a stainless steel screw. The reference electrode was a standard Ag/AgCl. The counter electrode used was a platinum mesh. Having a reliable and well-functioning in vitro corrosion system to test biomaterials provides an in-expensive technique that allows for the systematic characterization of the material by determining the breakdown potential, to further understand the material's response to corrosion. The goal of the protocol is to set up and run an in vitro potentiodynamic corrosion system to analyze pitting corrosion for small metallic medical devices.

  10. DFT study on the standard electrode potentials of imidazole, tetrathiafulvalene, and tetrathiafulvalene-imidazole.

    PubMed

    Tugsuz, Tugba

    2010-12-30

    Extensive DFT calculations on the standard electrode potentials of imidazole (Im), tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), and 2-, 4-, and 5-TTF-Im were carried out. Geometries and Gibbs free energies of H-bonded dimer, anion, protonated cation, and neutral structures of Im, mono- and dication, and neutral structures of TTF in gas and acetonitrile solvent were computed by using 10 hybrid density functionals (B3LYP, TPSSH, PBEH1PBE, M06, M062X, X3LYP, BMK, B1B95, M05, M052X) combined with the TZVP basis set. CPCM and SMD solvation models were applied to predict the Gibbs free energies of molecules in acetonitrile solvent. Frequency calculations were carried out for all structures, and none of them has been found to exhibit any imaginary frequency. Finally, the BMK hybrid functional was selected for computation of the standard electrode potential of TTF-Im, because it gives the most accurate values in both Im and TTF, differing by 0.05 V from the experimental ones. Moreover, frequencies from the BMK functional are reasonably close to the experimental ones. The standard electrode potentials of 2-, 4-, and 5-TTF-Im predicted for two-electron oxidation are 0.946, 0.870, and 0.839 V in CPCM and 0.927, 0.866, and 0.824 V in SMD. For one-electron oxidation these are 0.491, 0.421, and 0.400 V in CPCM and 0.476, 0.377, and 0.360 V in SMD, respectively.

  11. A comparative study of electrical potential sensors and Ag/AgCl electrodes for characterising spontaneous and event related electroencephalagram signals.

    PubMed

    Fatoorechi, M; Parkinson, J; Prance, R J; Prance, H; Seth, A K; Schwartzman, D J

    2015-08-15

    Electroencephalography (EEG) is still a widely used imaging tool that combines high temporal resolution with a relatively low cost. Ag/AgCl metal electrodes have been the gold standard for non-invasively monitoring electrical brain activity. Although reliable, these electrodes have multiple drawbacks: they suffer from noise, such as offset potential drift, and usability issues, for example, difficult skin preparation and cross-coupling of adjacent electrodes. In order to tackle these issues a prototype Electric Potential Sensor (EPS) device based on an auto-zero operational amplifier was developed and evaluated. The EPS is a novel active ultrahigh impedance capacitively coupled sensor. The absence of 1/f noise makes the EPS ideal for use with signal frequencies of ∼10Hz or less. A comprehensive study was undertaken to compare neural signals recorded by the EPS with a standard commercial EEG system. Quantitatively, highly similar signals were observed between the EPS and EEG sensors for both free running and evoked brain activity with cross correlations of higher than 0.9 between the EPS and a standard benchmark EEG system. These studies comprised measurements of both free running EEG and Event Related Potentials (ERPs) from a commercial EEG system and EPS. The EPS provides a promising alternative with many added benefits compared to standard EEG sensors, including reduced setup time and elimination of sensor cross-coupling. In the future the scalability of the EPS will allow the implementation of a whole head ultra-dense EPS array. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Symmetric Electrode Spanning Narrows the Excitation Patterns of Partial Tripolar Stimuli in Cochlear Implants.

    PubMed

    Luo, Xin; Wu, Ching-Chih

    2016-12-01

    In cochlear implants (CIs), standard partial tripolar (pTP) mode reduces current spread by returning a fraction of the current to two adjacent flanking electrodes within the cochlea. Symmetric electrode spanning (i.e., separating both the apical and basal return electrodes from the main electrode by one electrode) has been shown to increase the pitch of pTP stimuli, when the ratio of intracochlear return current was fixed. To explain the pitch increase caused by symmetric spanning in pTP mode, this study measured the electrical potentials of both standard and symmetrically spanned pTP stimuli on a main electrode EL8 in five CI ears using electrical field imaging (EFI). In addition, the spatial profiles of evoked compound action potentials (ECAP) and the psychophysical forward masking (PFM) patterns were also measured for both stimuli. The EFI, ECAP, and PFM patterns of a given stimulus differed in shape details, reflecting the different levels of auditory processing and different ratios of intracochlear return current across the measurement methods. Compared to the standard pTP stimuli, the symmetrically spanned pTP stimuli significantly reduced the areas under the curves of the normalized EFI and PFM patterns, without shifting the pattern peaks and centroids (both around EL8). The more focused excitation patterns with symmetric spanning may have caused the previously reported pitch increase, due to an interaction between pitch and timbre perception. Being able to reduce the spread of excitation, pTP mode symmetric spanning is a promising stimulation strategy that may further increase spectral resolution and frequency selectivity with CIs.

  13. An experimental and theoretical method for determination of standard electrode potential for the redox couple diphenyl sulfone/diphenyl sulfide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Y. Z.; Wei, K. X.; Lv, J. S.

    2013-12-01

    DFT calculations were performed for diphenyl sulfide and diphenyl sulfone. The electrochemistry of diphenyl sulfide on the gold electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammety and the results show that standard electrode potential for redox couple diphenyl sulfone/diphenyl sulfide is 1.058 V, which is consistent with that of 1.057 calculated at B3LYP/6-31++G( d, p)-IEFPCM level. The front orbit theory and Mulliken charges of molecular explain well on the oxidation of diphenyl sulfide in oxidative desulfurization. According to equilibrium theory the experimental equilibrium constant in the oxidative desulfurization of H2O2, is 1.17 × 1048, which is consistent with the theoretical equilibrium constant is 2.18 × 1048 at B3LYP/6-31++G( d, p)-IEFPCM level.

  14. A printed, dry electrode Frank configuration vest for ambulatory vectorcardiographic monitoring

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paul, Gordon; Torah, Russel; Beeby, Steve; Tudor, John

    2017-02-01

    This paper describes the design and fabrication of a screen printed network of bio-potential measurement electrodes on a garment, in this case a vest. The electrodes are placed according to the Frank configuration, which allows monitoring of the electrical behavior of the heart in three spatial orientations. The vest is designed to provide stable contact pressure on the electrodes. The electrodes are fabricated from stencil printed carbon loaded rubber and are connected by screen printed silver polymer conductive tracks to an array of vias, which form an electrical connection to the other side of the textile. The vest is tested and compared to Frank configuration recordings that were obtained using standard self-adhesive ECG electrodes. The vest was successfully used to obtain Frank configuration recordings with minimal baseline drift. The vest is fabricated using only technologies found in standard textile production lines and can be used with a reduced setup effort compared to clinical 12-lead examinations.

  15. Stability of Triggering of the Switch with Sharply Non-Uniform Electric Field at the Electrode with Negative Potential

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kovalchuk, B. M.; Zherlitsyn, A. A.; Kumpyak, E. V.

    2017-12-01

    Results of investigations into a two-electrode high-pressure gas switch with sharply non-uniform field at the electrode with negative potential operating in the self-breakdown regime with pulsed charging of a highvoltage capacitive energy storage for 100 μs to voltage exceeding 200 kV are presented. It is demonstrated that depending on the air pressure and the gap length, the corona-streamer discharge, whose current increases with voltage, arises in the switch at a voltage of 0.2-0.3 of the self-breakdown voltage. At the moment of switch self-breakdown, the corona-streamer discharge goes over to one or several spark channels. The standard deviation of the triggering moment can be within 1.5 μs, which corresponds to the standard deviation of the self-breakdown voltage less than 2 kV. The voltage stability can be better than 1.5%.

  16. The Use of Redox Mediators for Enhancing Utilization of Li2S Cathodes for Advanced Li-S Battery Systems.

    PubMed

    Meini, Stefano; Elazari, Ran; Rosenman, Ariel; Garsuch, Arnd; Aurbach, Doron

    2014-03-06

    The development of Li2S electrodes is a crucial step toward industrial manufacturing of Li-S batteries, a promising alternative to Li-ion batteries due to their projected two times higher specific capacity. However, the high voltages needed to activate Li2S electrodes, and the consequent electrolyte solution degradation, represent the main challenge. We present a novel concept that could make feasible the widespread application of Li2S electrodes for Li-S cell assembly. In this concept, the addition of redox mediators as additives to the standard electrolyte solution allows us to recover most of Li2S theoretical capacity in the activation cycle at potentials as low as 2.9 VLi, substantially lower than the typical potentials >4 VLi needed with standard electrolyte solution. Those novel additives permit us to preserve the electrolyte solution from being degraded, allowing us to achieve capacity as high as 500 mAhg(-1)Li2S after 150 cycles with no major structural optimization of the electrodes.

  17. Chapter A6. Section 6.5. Reduction-Oxidation Potential (Electrode Method)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Wilde, Franceska D.

    2005-01-01

    Reduction-oxidation (redox) potential--also referred to as Eh--is a measure of the equilibrium potential, relative to the standard hydrogen electrode, developed at the interface between a noble metal electrode and an aqueous solution containing electroactive chemical species. Measurements of Eh are used to evaluate geochemical speciation models, and Eh data can provide insights on the evolution and status of water chemistry in an aqueous system. Nevertheless, the measurement is fraught with inherent interferences and limitations that must be understood and considered to determine applicability to the aqueous system being studied. For this reason, Eh determination is not one of the field parameters routinely measured by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This section of the National Field Manual (NFM) describes the equipment and procedures needed to measure Eh in water using a platinum electrode. Guidance as to the limitations and interpretation of Eh measurement also is included.

  18. Comparison of concentric needle versus hooked-wire electrodes in the canine larynx.

    PubMed

    Jaffe, D M; Solomon, N P; Robinson, R A; Hoffman, H T; Luschei, E S

    1998-05-01

    The use of a specific electrode type in laryngeal electromyography has not been standardized. Laryngeal electromyography is usually performed with hooked-wire electrodes or concentric needle electrodes. Hooked-wire electrodes have the advantage of allowing laryngeal movement with ease and comfort, whereas the concentric needle electrodes have benefits from a technical aspect and may be advanced, withdrawn, or redirected during attempts to appropriately place the electrode. This study examines whether hooked-wire electrodes permit more stable recordings than standard concentric needle electrodes at rest and after large-scale movements of the larynx and surrounding structures. A histologic comparison of tissue injury resulting from placement and removal of the two electrode types is also made by evaluation of the vocal folds. Electrodes were percutaneously placed into the thyroarytenoid muscles of 10 adult canines. Amplitude of electromyographic activity was measured and compared during vagal stimulation before and after large-scale laryngeal movements. Signal consistency over time was examined. Animals were killed and vocal fold injury was graded and compared histologically. Waveform morphology did not consistently differ between electrode types. The variability of electromyographic amplitude was greater for the hooked-wire electrode (p < 0.05), whereas the mean amplitude measures before and after large-scale laryngeal movements did not differ (p > 0.05). Inflammatory responses and hematoma formation were also similar. Waveform morphology of electromyographic signals registered from both electrode types show similar complex action potentials. There is no difference between the hooked-wire electrode and the concentric needle electrode in terms of electrode stability or vocal fold injury in the thyroarytenoid muscle after large-scale laryngeal movements.

  19. Electrochemical detection device. [for use in microbiology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Young, R. N.; Wilkins, J. R. (Inventor)

    1979-01-01

    A standard pH reference electrode and a platinum cathodic electrode are positioned in a container with suitable nutrient medium for microbial growth plus the sample to be tested. The two electrodes are connected to electronic circuitry including an up/down counter whicn counts up for the first 80 minutes after a test has initiated. Then the potential between the two electrodes is tracked by the electronic circuitry and after there is a change of 10 mv a signal is sent to the up/down counter to cause it to reverse its count. When there is a additional 20 mv change in the potential between the two electrodes another signal is sent to the up/down counter, signalling it to stop. The resulting count on the counter is equal to the length of time for the inoculum to begin the production of measurable amounts of H2 after inoculation.

  20. On Practical Charge Injection at the Metal/Organic Semiconductor Interface

    PubMed Central

    Kumatani, Akichika; Li, Yun; Darmawan, Peter; Minari, Takeo; Tsukagoshi, Kazuhito

    2013-01-01

    We have revealed practical charge injection at metal and organic semiconductor interface in organic field effect transistor configurations. We have developed a facile interface structure that consisted of double-layer electrodes in order to investigate the efficiency through contact metal dependence. The metal interlayer with few nanometers thickness between electrode and organic semiconductor drastically reduces the contact resistance at the interface. The improvement has clearly obtained when the interlayer is a metal with lower standard electrode potential of contact metals than large work function of the contact metals. The electrode potential also implies that the most dominant effect on the mechanism at the contact interface is induced by charge transfer. This mechanism represents a step forward towards understanding the fundamental physics of intrinsic charge injection in all organic devices. PMID:23293741

  1. Silver(I) ion-selective membrane based on Schiff base-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene.

    PubMed

    Mahajan, R K; Kumar, M; Sharma, V; Kaur, I

    2001-04-01

    A PVC membrane electrode for silver(I) ion based on Schiff base-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene is reported. The electrode works well over a wide range of concentration (1.0 x 10(-5)-1.0 x 10(-1) mol dm-3) with a Nernstian slope of 59.7 mV per decade. The electrode shows a fast response time of 20 s and operates in the pH range 1.0-5.6. The sensor can be used for more than 6 months without any divergence in the potential. The selectivity of the electrode was studied and it was found that the electrode exhibits good selectivity for silver ion over some alkali, alkaline earth and transition metal ions. The silver ion-selective electrode was used as an indicator electrode for the potentiometric titration of silver ion in solution using a standard solution of sodium chloride; a sharp potential change occurs at the end-point. The applicability of the sensor to silver(I) ion measurement in water samples spiked with silver nitrate is illustrated.

  2. Characteristics of the iodide/triiodide redox mediator in dye-sensitized solar cells.

    PubMed

    Boschloo, Gerrit; Hagfeldt, Anders

    2009-11-17

    Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) have gained widespread interest because of their potential for low-cost solar energy conversion. Currently, the certified record efficiency of these solar cells is 11.1%, and measurements of their durability and stability suggest lifetimes exceeding 10 years under operational conditions. The DSC is a photoelectrochemical system: a monolayer of sensitizing dye is adsorbed onto a mesoporous TiO(2) electrode, and the electrode is sandwiched together with a counter electrode. An electrolyte containing a redox couple fills the gap between the electrodes. The redox couple is a key component of the DSC. The reduced part of the couple regenerates the photo-oxidized dye. The formed oxidized species diffuses to the counter electrode, where it is reduced. The photovoltage of the device depends on the redox couple because it sets the electrochemical potential at the counter electrode. The redox couple also affects the electrochemical potential of the TiO(2) electrode through the recombination kinetics between electrons in TiO(2) and oxidized redox species. This Account focuses on the special properties of the iodide/triiodide (I(-)/I(3)(-)) redox couple in dye-sensitized solar cells. It has been the preferred redox couple since the beginning of DSC development and still yields the most stable and efficient DSCs. Overall, the iodide/triiodide couple has good solubility, does not absorb too much light, has a suitable redox potential, and provides rapid dye regeneration. But what distinguishes I(-)/I(3)(-) from most redox mediators is the very slow recombination kinetics between electrons in TiO(2) and the oxidized part of the redox couple, triiodide. Certain dyes adsorbed at TiO(2) catalyze this recombination reaction, presumably by binding iodine or triiodide. The standard potential of the iodide/triiodide redox couple is 0.35 V (versus the normal hydrogen electrode, NHE), and the oxidation potential of the standard DSC-sensitizer (Ru(dcbpy)(2)(NCS)(2)) is 1.1 V. The driving force for reduction of oxidized dye is therefore as large as 0.75 V. This process leads to the largest internal potential loss in DSC devices. We expect that overall efficiencies above 15% might be achieved if half of this internal potential loss could be gained. The regeneration of oxidized dye with iodide leads to the formation of the diiodide radical (I(2)(-*)). The redox potential of the I(2)(-*)/I(-) couple must therefore be considered when determining the actual driving force for dye regeneration. The formed I(2)(-*) disproportionates to I(3)(-) and I(-), which leads to a large loss in potential energy.

  3. Ion-selective electrodes in potentiometric titrations; a new method for processing and evaluating titration data.

    PubMed

    Granholm, Kim; Sokalski, Tomasz; Lewenstam, Andrzej; Ivaska, Ari

    2015-08-12

    A new method to convert the potential of an ion-selective electrode to concentration or activity in potentiometric titration is proposed. The advantage of this method is that the electrode standard potential and the slope of the calibration curve do not have to be known. Instead two activities on the titration curve have to be estimated e.g. the starting activity before the titration begins and the activity at the end of the titration in the presence of large excess of titrant. This new method is beneficial when the analyte is in a complexed matrix or in a harsh environment which affects the properties of the electrode and the traditional calibration procedure with standard solutions cannot be used. The new method was implemented both in a method of linearization based on the Grans's plot and in determination of the stability constant of a complex and the concentration of the complexing ligand in the sample. The new method gave accurate results when using titrations data from experiments with samples of known composition and with real industrial harsh black liquor sample. A complexometric titration model was also developed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Time-resolved determination of the potential of zero charge at polycrystalline Au/ionic liquid interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vargas-Barbosa, Nella M.; Roling, Bernhard

    2018-05-01

    The potential of zero charge (PZC) is a fundamental property that describes the electrode/electrolyte interface. The determination of the PZC at electrode/ionic liquid interfaces has been challenging due to the lack of models that fully describe these complex interfaces as well as the non-standardized approaches used to characterize them. In this work, we present a method that combines electrode immersion transient and impedance measurements for the determination of the PZC. This combined approach allows the distinction of the potential of zero free charge (pzfc), related to fast double layer charging on a millisecond timescale, from a potential of zero charge on a timescale of tens of seconds related to slower ion transport processes at the interface. Our method highlights the complementarity of these electrochemical techniques and the importance of selecting the correct timescale to execute experiments and interpret the results.

  5. A Sinusoidal Applied Electric Potential can Induce a Long-Range, Steady Electrophoretic Force

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Amrei, Seyyed Hashemi; Ristenpart, William D.; Miller, Greg R.

    2017-11-01

    We use the standard electrokinetic model to numerically investigate the electric field in aqueous solutions between parallel electrodes under AC polarization. In contrast to prior work, we invoke no simplifying assumptions regarding the applied voltage, frequency, or mismatch in ionic mobilities. We find that the nonlinear electromigration terms significantly contribute to the overall shape of the electric potential vs. time, which at sufficiently high applied potentials develops multi-modal peaks. More surprisingly, we find that electrolytes with non-equal mobilities yield an electric field with non-zero time average at large distances from the electrodes. Our calculations indicate this long-range electric field suffices to levitate colloidal particles many microns away from the electrode against the gravitational field, in accord with experimental observations of such behavior (Woehl et al., PRX, 2015). Moreover, the results indicate that particles will aggregate laterally near electrodes in some electrolytes but separate in others, helping explain a longstanding but not well understood phenomenon.

  6. Ion funnel with extended mass range and reduced conductance limit aperture

    DOEpatents

    Tolmachev, Aleksey V [Richland, WA; Smith, Richard D [Richland, WA

    2008-04-01

    An improved ion funnel design is disclosed that decreases the axial RF (parasite) fields at the ion funnel exit. This is achieved by addition of one or more compensation electrodes after the conductance limit electrode. Various RF voltage profiles may be applied to the various electrodes minimizing the parasite axial potential wells. The smallest RF aperture that serves as the conductance limiting electrode is further reduced over standard designs. Overall, the ion funnel improves transmission ranges of both low m/z and high m/z ions, reducing RF activation of ions and decreasing the gas load to subsequent differential pumping stages.

  7. Improving startup performance with carbon mesh anodes in separator electrode assembly microbial fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Fang; Xia, Xue; Luo, Yong; Sun, Dan; Call, Douglas F; Logan, Bruce E

    2013-04-01

    In a separator electrode assembly microbial fuel cell, oxygen crossover from the cathode inhibits current generation by exoelectrogenic bacteria, resulting in poor reactor startup and performance. To determine the best approach for improving startup performance, the effect of acclimation to a low set potential (-0.2V, versus standard hydrogen electrode) was compared to startup at a higher potential (+0.2 V) or no set potential, and inoculation with wastewater or pre-acclimated cultures. Anodes acclimated to -0.2 V produced the highest power of 1330±60 mW m(-2) for these different anode conditions, but unacclimated wastewater inocula produced inconsistent results despite the use of this set potential. By inoculating reactors with transferred cell suspensions, however, startup time was reduced and high power was consistently produced. These results show that pre-acclimation at -0.2 V consistently improves power production compared to use of a more positive potential or the lack of a set potential. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Localization, correlation, and visualization of electroencephalographic surface electrodes and brain anatomy in epilepsy studies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brinkmann, Benjamin H.; O'Brien, Terence J.; Robb, Richard A.; Sharbrough, Frank W.

    1997-05-01

    Advances in neuroimaging have enhanced the clinician's ability to localize the epileptogenic zone in focal epilepsy, but 20-50 percent of these cases still remain unlocalized. Many sophisticated modalities have been used to study epilepsy, but scalp electrode recorded electroencephalography is particularly useful due to its noninvasive nature and excellent temporal resolution. This study is aimed at specific locations of scalp electrode EEG information for correlation with anatomical structures in the brain. 3D position localizing devices commonly used in virtual reality systems are used to digitize the coordinates of scalp electrodes in a standard clinical configuration. The electrode coordinates are registered with a high- resolution MRI dataset using a robust surface matching algorithm. Volume rendering can then be used to visualize the electrodes and electrode potentials interpolated over the scalp. The accuracy of the coordinate registration is assessed quantitatively with a realistic head phantom.

  9. Thermodynamics of La and U and the separation factor of U/La in fused Me(Ga-40 wt.% In)/3LiCl-2KCl system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smolenski, Valeri; Novoselova, Alena; Volkovich, Vladimir A.

    2017-11-01

    Separation of lanthanides and actinides can be achieved in a unique "molten chloride - liquid metal" system. Electrode potentials were recorded vs. Cl-/Cl2 reference electrode and the temperature dependencies of the apparent standard potentials of La-(Ga-In) and U-(Ga-In) alloys were determined. Thermodynamic properties and separation factor of lanthanum and uranium were calculated. The obtained data show the perspective for using this system in future innovation method for recovery of nuclear waste.

  10. Interpenetrating polyaniline-gold electrodes for SERS and electrochemical measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    West, R. M.; Semancik, S.

    2016-11-01

    Facile fabrication of nanostructured electrode arrays is critical for development of bimodal SERS and electrochemical biosensors. In this paper, the variation of applied potential at a polyaniline-coated Pt electrode is used to selectivity deposit Au on the polyaniline amine sites or on the underlying Pt electrode. By alternating the applied potential, the Au is grown simultaneously from the top and the bottom of the polyaniline film, leading to an interpenetrated, nanostructured polymer-metal composite extending from the Pt electrode to the electrolyte solution. The resulting films have unique pH-dependent electrochemical properties, e.g. they retain electrochemical activity in both acidic and neutral solutions, and they also include SERS-active nanostructures. By varying the concentration of chloroaurate used during deposition, Au nanoparticles, nanodendrites, or nanosheets can be selectively grown. For the films deposited under optimal conditions, using 5 mmol/L chloroaurate, the SERS enhancement factor for Rhodamine 6G was found to be as high as 1.1 × 106 with spot-to-spot and electrode-to-electrode relative standard deviations as low as 8% and 12%, respectively. The advantages of the reported PANI-Au composite electrodes lie in their facile fabrication, enabling the targeted deposition of tunable nanostructures on sensing arrays, and their ability to produce orthogonal optical and electrochemical analytical results.

  11. Electroanalytical sensing of chromium(III) and (VI) utilising gold screen printed macro electrodes.

    PubMed

    Metters, Jonathan P; Kadara, Rashid O; Banks, Craig E

    2012-02-21

    We report the fabrication of gold screen printed macro electrodes which are electrochemically characterised and contrasted to polycrystalline gold macroelectrodes with their potential analytical application towards the sensing of chromium(III) and (VI) critically explored. It is found that while these gold screen printed macro electrodes have electrode kinetics typically one order of magnitude lower than polycrystalline gold macroelectrodes as is measured via a standard redox probe, in terms of analytical sensing, these gold screen printed macro electrodes mimic polycrystalline gold in terms of their analytical performance towards the sensing of chromium(III) and (VI), whilst boasting additional advantages over the macro electrode due to their disposable one-shot nature and the ease of mass production. An additional advantage of these gold screen printed macro electrodes compared to polycrystalline gold is the alleviation of the requirement to potential cycle the latter to form the required gold oxide which aids in the simplification of the analytical protocol. We demonstrate that gold screen printed macro electrodes allow the low micro-molar sensing of chromium(VI) in aqueous solutions over the range 10 to 1600 μM with a limit of detection (3σ) of 4.4 μM. The feasibility of the analytical protocol is also tested through chromium(VI) detection in environmental samples.

  12. CO2 electroreduction characteristics of Pt-Ru/C powder and Pt-Ru sputtered electrodes under acidic condition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Furukawa, Hiroto; Matsuda, Shofu; Tanaka, Shoji; Shironita, Sayoko; Umeda, Minoru

    2018-03-01

    The objective of this study was to overcome the issue about the underpotential adsorption of the CO2 electroreductant on the surface of the Pt electrocatalyst under acidic conditions by the alloying of Pt and Ru. As evaluation parameters, the CO2 reduction onset potential and CO2-reductant reoxidation onset potential were employed. We prepared a porous microelectrode filled with Pt-Ru/C powder and a Pt-Ru sputtered electrode. For the Pt-Ru/C powder electrocatalyst, the CO2 reduction onset potential as well as the CO2-reductant reoxidation onset potential shifted in the direction of the CO2/CO2-reductant standard redox potential dependent on the Ru content, which is indicative of a decrease in the underpotential-adsorption energy of the CO2 reductant. For the Pt-Ru sputtered electrode, only the CO2 reduction onset potential shifted in the direction of the redox potential. Consequently, we demonstrated that the Pt-Ru/C powder electrode improved the reactivity of the CO2/CO2-reductant when discussing the relationship between the CO2 reduction onset potential and the CO2-reductant reoxidation onset potential. Based on our findings, the Pt-Ru/C (1:9) powder is the most effective electrocatalyst for the CO2 reduction, which could minimize the underpotential adsorption.

  13. Electrochemical behavior of adrenaline at the carbon atom wire modified electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xue, Kuan-Hong; Liu, Jia-Mei; Wei, Ri-Bing; Chen, Shao-Peng

    2006-09-01

    Electrochemical behavior of adrenaline at an electrode modified by carbon atom wires (CAWs), a new material, was investigated by cyclic voltammetry combined with UV-vis spectrometry, and forced convection method. As to the electrochemical response of redox of adrenaline/adrenalinequinone couple in 0.50 M H 2SO 4, at a nitric acid treated CAW modified electrode, the anodic and cathodic peak potentials Epa and Epc shifted by 87 mV negatively and 139 mV in the positive direction, respectively, and standard heterogeneous rate constant k0 increased by 16 times compared to the corresponding bare electrode, indicating the extraordinary activity of CAWs in electrocatalysis for the process.

  14. Bristle-sensors—low-cost flexible passive dry EEG electrodes for neurofeedback and BCI applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grozea, Cristian; Voinescu, Catalin D.; Fazli, Siamac

    2011-04-01

    In this paper, we present a new, low-cost dry electrode for EEG that is made of flexible metal-coated polymer bristles. We examine various standard EEG paradigms, such as capturing occipital alpha rhythms, testing for event-related potentials in an auditory oddball paradigm and performing a sensory motor rhythm-based event-related (de-) synchronization paradigm to validate the performance of the novel electrodes in terms of signal quality. Our findings suggest that the dry electrodes that we developed result in high-quality EEG recordings and are thus suitable for a wide range of EEG studies and BCI applications. Furthermore, due to the flexibility of the novel electrodes, greater comfort is achieved in some subjects, this being essential for long-term use.

  15. Standard Electrode Potentials Involving Radicals in Aqueous Solution: Inorganic Radicals

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Armstrong, David A.; Huie, Robert E.; Koppenol, Willem H.

    2015-12-01

    Recommendations are made for standard potentials involving select inorganic radicals in aqueous solution at 25 °C. These recommendations are based on a critical and thorough literature review and also by performing derivations from various literature reports. The recommended data are summarized in tables of standard potentials, Gibbs energies of formation, radical pK a’s, and hemicolligation equilibrium constants. In all cases, current best estimates of the uncertainties are provided. An extensive set of Data Sheets is appended that provide original literature references, summarize the experimental results, and describe the decisions and procedures leading to each of the recommendations

  16. Forward and inverse effects of the complete electrode model in neonatal EEG

    PubMed Central

    Lew, S.; Wolters, C. H.

    2016-01-01

    This paper investigates finite element method-based modeling in the context of neonatal electroencephalography (EEG). In particular, the focus lies on electrode boundary conditions. We compare the complete electrode model (CEM) with the point electrode model (PEM), which is the current standard in EEG. In the CEM, the voltage experienced by an electrode is modeled more realistically as the integral average of the potential distribution over its contact surface, whereas the PEM relies on a point value. Consequently, the CEM takes into account the subelectrode shunting currents, which are absent in the PEM. In this study, we aim to find out how the electrode voltage predicted by these two models differ, if standard size electrodes are attached to a head of a neonate. Additionally, we study voltages and voltage variation on electrode surfaces with two source locations: 1) next to the C6 electrode and 2) directly under the Fz electrode and the frontal fontanel. A realistic model of a neonatal head, including a skull with fontanels and sutures, is used. Based on the results, the forward simulation differences between CEM and PEM are in general small, but significant outliers can occur in the vicinity of the electrodes. The CEM can be considered as an integral part of the outer head model. The outcome of this study helps understanding volume conduction of neonatal EEG, since it enlightens the role of advanced skull and electrode modeling in forward and inverse computations. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The effect of the complete electrode model on electroencephalography forward and inverse computations is explored. A realistic neonatal head model, including a skull structure with fontanels and sutures, is used. The electrode and skull modeling differences are analyzed and compared with each other. The results suggest that the complete electrode model can be considered as an integral part of the outer head model. To achieve optimal source localization results, accurate electrode modeling might be necessary. PMID:27852731

  17. Electrochemical sensing of total antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content in wine samples using amperometry online-coupled with microdialysis.

    PubMed

    Jakubec, Petr; Bancirova, Martina; Halouzka, Vladimir; Lojek, Antonin; Ciz, Milan; Denev, Petko; Cibicek, Norbert; Vacek, Jan; Vostalova, Jitka; Ulrichova, Jitka; Hrbac, Jan

    2012-08-15

    This work describes the method for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and/or total content of phenolics (TCP) analysis in wines using microdialysis online-coupled with amperometric detection using a carbon microfiber working electrode. The system was tested on 10 selected wine samples, and the results were compared with total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and chemiluminescent determination of total antioxidant capacity (CL-TAC) methods using Trolox and catechin as standards. Microdialysis online-coupled with amperometric detection gives similar results to the widely used cyclic voltammetry methodology and closely correlates with ORAC and TRAP. The problem of electrode fouling is overcome by the introduction of an electrochemical cleaning step (1-2 min at the potential of 0 V vs Ag/AgCl). Such a procedure is sufficient to fully regenerate the electrode response for both red and white wine samples as well as catechin/Trolox standards. The appropriate size of microdialysis probes enables easy automation of the electrochemical TAC/TCP measurement using 96-well microtitration plates.

  18. The standardized EEG electrode array of the IFCN.

    PubMed

    Seeck, Margitta; Koessler, Laurent; Bast, Thomas; Leijten, Frans; Michel, Christoph; Baumgartner, Christoph; He, Bin; Beniczky, Sándor

    2017-10-01

    Standardized EEG electrode positions are essential for both clinical applications and research. The aim of this guideline is to update and expand the unifying nomenclature and standardized positioning for EEG scalp electrodes. Electrode positions were based on 20% and 10% of standardized measurements from anatomical landmarks on the skull. However, standard recordings do not cover the anterior and basal temporal lobes, which is the most frequent source of epileptogenic activity. Here, we propose a basic array of 25 electrodes including the inferior temporal chain, which should be used for all standard clinical recordings. The nomenclature in the basic array is consistent with the 10-10-system. High-density scalp EEG arrays (64-256 electrodes) allow source imaging with even sub-lobar precision. This supplementary exam should be requested whenever necessary, e.g. search for epileptogenic activity in negative standard EEG or for presurgical evaluation. In the near future, nomenclature for high density electrodes arrays beyond the 10-10 system needs to be defined, to allow comparison and standardized recordings across centers. Contrary to the established belief that smaller heads needs less electrodes, in young children at least as many electrodes as in adults should be applied due to smaller skull thickness and the risk of spatial aliasing. Copyright © 2017 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Safety of externally stimulated intracranial electrodes during functional MRI at 1.5T.

    PubMed

    Bhattacharyya, Pallab K; Mullin, Jeffery; Lee, Bryan S; Gonzalez-Martinez, Jorge A; Jones, Stephen E

    2017-05-01

    Surgical resection of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) is a potential cure for medically refractory focal epilepsy. Proper identification of the EZ is essential for such resection. Synergistic application of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) simultaneously with stimulation of a single externalized intracranial stereotactic EEG (SEEG) electrode has the potential to improve identification of the EZ. While most EEG-fMRI studies use the electrodes passively to record electrical activity, it is possible to stimulate the brain using the electrodes by connecting them with conducting cables to the stimulation hardware. In this study, we investigated the effect of MRI-induced heating on a single SEEG electrode and its sensitivity to geometry, configuration, and associated connections required for the stimulation. The temperature increase of a single electrode embedded within a gel phantom and connected to an external stimulation system was measured during 1.5T MRI scans using adjacent fluoroptic temperature sensors. A receive-only split-array head coil and a transmit-receive head coil were used for testing. Sequences included a standard localizer, T1-weighted axial fast low-angle shot (FLASH), gradient echo-planar imaging (GE-EPI) axial fMRI, and a high specific absorption rate T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) axial scan. Variations of the electrode location and connecting cable configuration were tested. No unacceptable heating was observed with the standard sequences used for evaluation of the EZ. Considerable heating (up to 14°C) was observed with the TSE sequence, which is not used clinically. The temperature increase was insignificant (<0.05°C) for electrode contacts closest to the isocenter and connecting cables lying along the isocenter, and varied with configurations of the connecting cable assembly. Simultaneous intracranial electrode stimulation during fMRI using an externalized stimulation system may be safe with strict adherence to settings tested prior to the fMRI. Localizer, FLASH, and GE-EPI fMRI may be safely performed in patients with a single SEEG electrode following the configurations tested in this study, but high SAR TSE scans should not be performed in these patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Electron transfer from a solid-state electrode assisted by methyl viologen sustains efficient microbial reductive dechlorination of TCE.

    PubMed

    Aulenta, Federico; Catervi, Alessandro; Majone, Mauro; Panero, Stefania; Reale, Priscilla; Rossetti, Simona

    2007-04-01

    The ability to transfer electrons, via an extracellular path, to solid surfaces is typically exploited by microorganisms which use insoluble electron acceptors, such as iron-or manganese-oxides or inert electrodes in microbial fuel cells. The reverse process, i.e., the use of solid surfaces or electrodes as electron donors in microbial respirations, although largely unexplored, could potentially have important environmental applications, particularly for the removal of oxidized pollutants from contaminated groundwater or waste streams. Here we show, for the first time, that an electrochemical cell with a solid-state electrode polarized at -500 mV (vs standard hydrogen electrode), in combination with a low-potential redox mediator (methyl viologen), can efficiently transfer electrochemical reducing equivalents to microorganisms which respire using chlorinated solvents. By this approach, the reductive transformation of trichloroethene, a toxic yet common groundwater contaminant, to harmless end-products such as ethene and ethane could be performed. Furthermore, using a methyl-viologen-modified electrode we could even demonstrate that dechlorinating bacteria were able to accept reducing equivalents directly from the modified electrode surface. The innovative concept, based on the stimulation of dechlorination reactions through the use of solid-state electrodes (we propose for this process the acronym BEARD: Bio-Electrochemically Assisted Reductive Dechlorination), holds promise for in situ bioremediation of chlorinated-solvent-contaminated groundwater, and has several potential advantages over traditional approaches based on the subsurface injection of organic compounds. The results of this study raise the possibility that immobilization of selected redox mediators may be a general strategy for stimulating and controlling a range of microbial reactions using insoluble electrodes as electron donors.

  1. Adaptive Spatial Filter Based on Similarity Indices to Preserve the Neural Information on EEG Signals during On-Line Processing

    PubMed Central

    Villa-Parra, Ana Cecilia; Bastos-Filho, Teodiano; López-Delis, Alberto; Frizera-Neto, Anselmo; Krishnan, Sridhar

    2017-01-01

    This work presents a new on-line adaptive filter, which is based on a similarity analysis between standard electrode locations, in order to reduce artifacts and common interferences throughout electroencephalography (EEG) signals, but preserving the useful information. Standard deviation and Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) between target electrodes and its correspondent neighbor electrodes are analyzed on sliding windows to select those neighbors that are highly correlated. Afterwards, a model based on CCC is applied to provide higher values of weight to those correlated electrodes with lower similarity to the target electrode. The approach was applied to brain computer-interfaces (BCIs) based on Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) to recognize 40 targets of steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP), providing an accuracy (ACC) of 86.44 ± 2.81%. In addition, also using this approach, features of low frequency were selected in the pre-processing stage of another BCI to recognize gait planning. In this case, the recognition was significantly (p<0.01) improved for most of the subjects (ACC≥74.79%), when compared with other BCIs based on Common Spatial Pattern, Filter Bank-Common Spatial Pattern, and Riemannian Geometry. PMID:29186848

  2. Novel bifunctional cap for simultaneous electroencephalography and transcranial electrical stimulation.

    PubMed

    Wunder, Sophia; Hunold, Alexander; Fiedler, Patrique; Schlegelmilch, Falk; Schellhorn, Klaus; Haueisen, Jens

    2018-05-08

    Neuromodulation induced by transcranial electric stimulation (TES) exhibited promising potential for clinical practice. However, the underlying mechanisms remain subject of research. The combination of TES and electroencephalography (EEG) offers great potential for investigating these mechanisms and brain function in general, especially when performed simultaneously. In conventional applications, the combination of EEG and TES suffers from limitations on the electrode level (gel for electrode-skin interface) and the usability level (preparation time, reproducibility of positioning). To overcome these limitations, we designed a bifunctional cap for simultaneous TES-EEG applications. We used novel electrode materials, namely textile stimulation electrodes and dry EEG electrodes integrated in a flexible textile cap. We verified the functionality of this cap by analysing the effect of TES on visual evoked potentials (VEPs). In accordance with previous reports using standard TES, the amplitude of the N75 component was significantly decreased post-stimulation, indicating the feasibility of using this novel flexible cap for simultaneous TES and EEG. Further, we found a significant reduction of the P100 component only during TES, indicating a different brain modulation effect during and after TES. In conclusion, the novel bifunctional cap offers a novel tool for simultaneous TES-EEG applications in clinical research, therapy monitoring and closed-loop stimulation.

  3. Mo1-xWxSe2-Based Schottky Junction Photovoltaic Cells.

    PubMed

    Yi, Sum-Gyun; Kim, Sung Hyun; Park, Sungjin; Oh, Donggun; Choi, Hwan Young; Lee, Nara; Choi, Young Jai; Yoo, Kyung-Hwa

    2016-12-14

    We developed Schottky junction photovoltaic cells based on multilayer Mo 1-x W x Se 2 with x = 0, 0.5, and 1. To generate built-in potentials, Pd and Al were used as the source and drain electrodes in a lateral structure, and Pd and graphene were used as the bottom and top electrodes in a vertical structure. These devices exhibited gate-tunable diode-like current rectification and photovoltaic responses. Mo 0.5 W 0.5 Se 2 Schottky diodes with Pd and Al electrodes exhibited higher photovoltaic efficiency than MoSe 2 and WSe 2 devices with Pd and Al electrodes, likely because of the greater adjusted band alignment in Mo 0.5 W 0.5 Se 2 devices. Furthermore, we showed that Mo 0.5 W 0.5 Se 2 -based vertical Schottky diodes yield a power conversion efficiency of ∼16% under 532 nm light and ∼13% under a standard air mass 1.5 spectrum, demonstrating their remarkable potential for photovoltaic applications.

  4. An Inner Membrane Cytochrome Required Only for Reduction of High Redox Potential Extracellular Electron Acceptors

    PubMed Central

    Levar, Caleb E.; Chan, Chi Ho; Mehta-Kolte, Misha G.

    2014-01-01

    ABSTRACT Dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria, such as Geobacter sulfurreducens, transfer electrons beyond their outer membranes to Fe(III) and Mn(IV) oxides, heavy metals, and electrodes in electrochemical devices. In the environment, metal acceptors exist in multiple chelated and insoluble forms that span a range of redox potentials and offer different amounts of available energy. Despite this, metal-reducing bacteria have not been shown to alter their electron transfer strategies to take advantage of these energy differences. Disruption of imcH, encoding an inner membrane c-type cytochrome, eliminated the ability of G. sulfurreducens to reduce Fe(III) citrate, Fe(III)-EDTA, and insoluble Mn(IV) oxides, electron acceptors with potentials greater than 0.1 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), but the imcH mutant retained the ability to reduce Fe(III) oxides with potentials of ≤−0.1 V versus SHE. The imcH mutant failed to grow on electrodes poised at +0.24 V versus SHE, but switching electrodes to −0.1 V versus SHE triggered exponential growth. At potentials of ≤−0.1 V versus SHE, both the wild type and the imcH mutant doubled 60% slower than at higher potentials. Electrodes poised even 100 mV higher (0.0 V versus SHE) could not trigger imcH mutant growth. These results demonstrate that G. sulfurreducens possesses multiple respiratory pathways, that some of these pathways are in operation only after exposure to low redox potentials, and that electron flow can be coupled to generation of different amounts of energy for growth. The redox potentials that trigger these behaviors mirror those of metal acceptors common in subsurface environments where Geobacter is found. PMID:25425235

  5. Standard electrode potentials involving radicals in aqueous solution: inorganic radicals (IUPAC Technical Report)

    DOE PAGES

    Armstrong, David A.; Huie, Robert E.; Koppenol, Willem H.; ...

    2015-01-01

    We made recommendations for standard potentials involving select inorganic radicals in aqueous solution at 25 °C. These recommendations are based on a critical and thorough literature review and also by performing derivations from various literature reports. We also summarized the data in tables of standard potentials, Gibbs energies of formation, radical pKa’s, and hemicolligation equilibrium constants. In all cases, current best estimates of the uncertainties are provided. An extensive set of Data Sheets is appended that provide original literature references, summarize the experimental results, and describe the decisions and procedures leading to each of the recommendations.

  6. Directly relating gas-phase cluster measurements to solution-phase hydrolysis, the absolute standard hydrogen electrode potential, and the absolute proton solvation energy.

    PubMed

    Donald, William A; Leib, Ryan D; O'Brien, Jeremy T; Williams, Evan R

    2009-06-08

    Solution-phase, half-cell potentials are measured relative to other half-cell potentials, resulting in a thermochemical ladder that is anchored to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), which is assigned an arbitrary value of 0 V. A new method for measuring the absolute SHE potential is demonstrated in which gaseous nanodrops containing divalent alkaline-earth or transition-metal ions are reduced by thermally generated electrons. Energies for the reactions 1) M(H(2)O)(24)(2+)(g) + e(-)(g)-->M(H(2)O)(24)(+)(g) and 2) M(H(2)O)(24)(2+)(g) + e(-)(g)-->MOH(H(2)O)(23)(+)(g) + H(g) and the hydrogen atom affinities of MOH(H(2)O)(23)(+)(g) are obtained from the number of water molecules lost through each pathway. From these measurements on clusters containing nine different metal ions and known thermochemical values that include solution hydrolysis energies, an average absolute SHE potential of +4.29 V vs. e(-)(g) (standard deviation of 0.02 V) and a real proton solvation free energy of -265 kcal mol(-1) are obtained. With this method, the absolute SHE potential can be obtained from a one-electron reduction of nanodrops containing divalent ions that are not observed to undergo one-electron reduction in aqueous solution.

  7. Directly Relating Gas-Phase Cluster Measurements to Solution-Phase Hydrolysis, the Absolute Standard Hydrogen Electrode Potential, and the Absolute Proton Solvation Energy

    PubMed Central

    Donald, William A.; Leib, Ryan D.; O’Brien, Jeremy T.; Williams, Evan R.

    2009-01-01

    Solution-phase, half-cell potentials are measured relative to other half-cell potentials, resulting in a thermochemical ladder that is anchored to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), which is assigned an arbitrary value of 0 V. A new method for measuring the absolute SHE potential is demonstrated in which gaseous nanodrops containing divalent alkaline-earth or transition-metal ions are reduced by thermally generated electrons. Energies for the reactions 1) M-(H2O)242+(g)+e−(g)→M(H2O)24+(g) and 2) M(H2O)242+(g)+e−(g)→MOH(H2O)23+(g)+H(g) and the hydrogen atom affinities of MOH(H2O)23+(g) are obtained from the number of water molecules lost through each pathway. From these measurements on clusters containing nine different metal ions and known thermochemical values that include solution hydrolysis energies, an average absolute SHE potential of +4.29 V vs. e−(g) (standard deviation of 0.02 V) and a real proton solvation free energy of −265 kcal mol−1 are obtained. With this method, the absolute SHE potential can be obtained from a one-electron reduction of nanodrops containing divalent ions that are not observed to undergo one-electron reduction in aqueous solution. PMID:19440999

  8. ECG-Based Detection of Early Myocardial Ischemia in a Computational Model: Impact of Additional Electrodes, Optimal Placement, and a New Feature for ST Deviation

    PubMed Central

    Schulze, Walther H. W.; Jiang, Yuan; Wilhelms, Mathias; Luik, Armin; Dössel, Olaf; Seemann, Gunnar

    2015-01-01

    In case of chest pain, immediate diagnosis of myocardial ischemia is required to respond with an appropriate treatment. The diagnostic capability of the electrocardiogram (ECG), however, is strongly limited for ischemic events that do not lead to ST elevation. This computational study investigates the potential of different electrode setups in detecting early ischemia at 10 minutes after onset: standard 3-channel and 12-lead ECG as well as body surface potential maps (BSPMs). Further, it was assessed if an additional ECG electrode with optimized position or the right-sided Wilson leads can improve sensitivity of the standard 12-lead ECG. To this end, a simulation study was performed for 765 different locations and sizes of ischemia in the left ventricle. Improvements by adding a single, subject specifically optimized electrode were similar to those of the BSPM: 2–11% increased detection rate depending on the desired specificity. Adding right-sided Wilson leads had negligible effect. Absence of ST deviation could not be related to specific locations of the ischemic region or its transmurality. As alternative to the ST time integral as a feature of ST deviation, the K point deviation was introduced: the baseline deviation at the minimum of the ST-segment envelope signal, which increased 12-lead detection rate by 7% for a reasonable threshold. PMID:26587538

  9. ECG-Based Detection of Early Myocardial Ischemia in a Computational Model: Impact of Additional Electrodes, Optimal Placement, and a New Feature for ST Deviation.

    PubMed

    Loewe, Axel; Schulze, Walther H W; Jiang, Yuan; Wilhelms, Mathias; Luik, Armin; Dössel, Olaf; Seemann, Gunnar

    2015-01-01

    In case of chest pain, immediate diagnosis of myocardial ischemia is required to respond with an appropriate treatment. The diagnostic capability of the electrocardiogram (ECG), however, is strongly limited for ischemic events that do not lead to ST elevation. This computational study investigates the potential of different electrode setups in detecting early ischemia at 10 minutes after onset: standard 3-channel and 12-lead ECG as well as body surface potential maps (BSPMs). Further, it was assessed if an additional ECG electrode with optimized position or the right-sided Wilson leads can improve sensitivity of the standard 12-lead ECG. To this end, a simulation study was performed for 765 different locations and sizes of ischemia in the left ventricle. Improvements by adding a single, subject specifically optimized electrode were similar to those of the BSPM: 2-11% increased detection rate depending on the desired specificity. Adding right-sided Wilson leads had negligible effect. Absence of ST deviation could not be related to specific locations of the ischemic region or its transmurality. As alternative to the ST time integral as a feature of ST deviation, the K point deviation was introduced: the baseline deviation at the minimum of the ST-segment envelope signal, which increased 12-lead detection rate by 7% for a reasonable threshold.

  10. An Investigation of the Hypoalgesic Effects of TENS Delivered by a Glove Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Cowan, Stephen; McKenna, Joanne; McCrum-Gardner, Evie; Johnson, Mark I.; Sluka, Kathleen A.; Walsh, Deirdre M.

    2009-01-01

    This randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study investigated the hypoalgesic effects of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) delivered via a glove electrode compared with standard self-adhesive electrodes. Fifty-six TENS-naïve, healthy individuals (18 to 50 years old; 28 men, 28 women) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 groups (n = 14 per group): glove electrode; placebo TENS using a glove electrode; standard electrode; and no treatment control. Active TENS (continuous stimulus, 100 Hz, strong but comfortable intensity) was applied to the dominant forearm/hand for 30 minutes. Placebo TENS was applied using a burst stimulus, 100-Hz frequency, 5-second cycle time for 42 seconds, after which the current amplitude was automatically reset to 0 mA. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were recorded from 3 points on the dominant and nondominant upper limbs before and after TENS. Statistical analyses of dominant PPT data using between-within groups ANOVA showed significant differences between groups at all 3 recording points (P = .01). Post hoc Scheffe tests indicated no significant difference between the standard electrode and glove electrode groups. There was a significant hypoalgesic effect in the standard electrode group compared with the control group and between the glove electrode group and both the control and placebo TENS groups. There was no significant interactive effect between time and group at any of the recording points (P > .05). Perspective This study presents a comparison of the hypoalgesic effects of 2 different types of TENS electrode, a novel glove electrode and standard self-adhesive rectangular electrodes. The glove electrode provides a larger contact area with the skin, thereby stimulating a greater number of nerve fibers. The results show that both electrodes have similar hypoalgesic effects and therefore give the clinician another choice in electrode. PMID:19398378

  11. An inner membrane cytochrome required only for reduction of high redox potential extracellular electron acceptors

    DOE PAGES

    Levar, Caleb E.; Chan, Chi Ho; Mehta-Kolte, Misha G.; ...

    2014-10-28

    Dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria, such as Geobacter sulfurreducens, transfer electrons beyond their outer membranes to Fe(III) and Mn(IV) oxides, heavy metals, and electrodes in electrochemical devices. In the environment, metal acceptors exist in multiple chelated and insoluble forms that span a range of redox potentials and offer different amounts of available energy. Despite this, metal-reducing bacteria have not been shown to alter their electron transfer strategies to take advantage of these energy differences. Disruption of imcH, encoding an inner membrane c-type cytochrome, eliminated the ability of G. sulfurreducens to reduce Fe(III) citrate, Fe(III)-EDTA, and insoluble Mn(IV) oxides, electron acceptors with potentialsmore » greater than 0.1 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), but the imcH mutant retained the ability to reduce Fe(III) oxides with potentials of ≤–0.1 V versus SHE. The imcH mutant failed to grow on electrodes poised at +0.24 V versus SHE, but switching electrodes to –0.1 V versus SHE triggered exponential growth. At potentials of ≤–0.1 V versus SHE, both the wild type and the imcH mutant doubled 60% slower than at higher potentials. Electrodes poised even 100 mV higher (0.0 V versus SHE) could not trigger imcH mutant growth. These results demonstrate that G. sulfurreducens possesses multiple respiratory pathways, that some of these pathways are in operation only after exposure to low redox potentials, and that electron flow can be coupled to generation of different amounts of energy for growth. Redox potentials that trigger these behaviors mirror those of metal acceptors common in subsurface environments where Geobacter is found.« less

  12. Detection of Antibiotics and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity with Screen-Printed Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Titoiu, Ana Maria; Marty, Jean-Louis

    2018-01-01

    This review provides a brief overview of the fabrication and properties of screen-printed electrodes and details the different opportunities to apply them for the detection of antibiotics, detection of bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility. Among the alternative approaches to costly chromatographic or ELISA methods for antibiotics detection and to lengthy culture methods for bacteria detection, electrochemical biosensors based on screen-printed electrodes present some distinctive advantages. Chemical and (bio)sensors for the detection of antibiotics and assays coupling detection with screen-printed electrodes with immunomagnetic separation are described. With regards to detection of bacteria, the emphasis is placed on applications targeting viable bacterial cells. While the electrochemical sensors and biosensors face many challenges before replacing standard analysis methods, the potential of screen-printed electrodes is increasingly exploited and more applications are anticipated to advance towards commercial analytical tools. PMID:29562637

  13. Analysis of Ag(I) Biocide in Water Samples Using Anodic Stripping Voltammetry with a Boron-Doped Diamond Disk Electrode.

    PubMed

    Maldonado, Vanessa Y; Espinoza-Montero, Patricio J; Rusinek, Cory A; Swain, Greg M

    2018-06-05

    The electroanalytical performance of a new commercial boron-doped diamond disk and a traditional nanocrystalline thin-film electrode were compared for the anodic stripping voltammetric determination of Ag(I). The diamond disk electrode is more flexible than the planar film as the former is compatible with most electrochemical cell designs including those incorporating magnetic stirring. Additionally, mechanical polishing and surface cleaning are simpler to execute. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) was used to detect Ag(I) in standard solutions after optimization of the deposition potential, deposition time and scan rate. The optimized conditions were used to determine the concentration of Ag(I) in a NASA simulated potable water sample and a NIST standard reference solution. The electrochemical results were validated by ICP-OES measurements of the same solutions. The detection figures of merit for the disk electrode were as good or superior to those for the thin-film electrode. Detection limits were ≤5 μg L -1 (S/N = 3) for a 120 s deposition period, and response variabilities were <5% RSD. The polished disk electrode presented a more limited linear dynamic range presumably because of the reduced surface area available for metal phase formation. The concentrations of Ag(I) in the two water samples, as determined by DPASV, were in good agreement with the concentrations determined by ICP-OES.

  14. Bioelectrochemically-assisted reductive dechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane by a Dehalococcoides-enriched microbial culture.

    PubMed

    Leitão, Patrícia; Rossetti, Simona; Nouws, Henri P A; Danko, Anthony S; Majone, Mauro; Aulenta, Federico

    2015-11-01

    The aim of this study was to verify the possibility to use a polarized graphite electrode as an electron donor for the reductive dechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane, an ubiquitous groundwater contaminant. The rate of 1,2-DCA dechlorination almost linearly increased by decreasing the set cathode potential over a broad range of set cathode potentials (i.e., from -300 mV to -900 mV vs. the standard hydrogen electrode). This process was primarily dependent on electrolytic H2 generation. On the other hand, reductive dechlorination proceeded (although quite slowly) with a very high Coulombic efficiency (near 70%) at a set cathode potential of -300 mV, where no H2 production occurred. Under this condition, reductive dechlorination was likely driven by direct electron uptake from the surface of the polarized electrode. Taken as a whole, this study further extends the range of chlorinated contaminants which can be treated with bioelectrochemical systems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Electrolytic trichloroethene degradation using mixed metal oxide coated titanium mesh electrodes.

    PubMed

    Petersen, Matthew A; Sale, Thomas C; Reardon, Kenneth F

    2007-04-01

    Electrochemical systems provide a low cost, versatile, and controllable platform to potentially treat contaminants in water, including chlorinated solvents. Relative to bare metal or noble metal amended materials, dimensionally stable electrode materials such as mixed metal oxide coated titanium (Ti/MMO) have advantages in terms of stability and cost, important factors for sustainable remediation solutions. Here, we report the use of Ti/MMO as an effective cathode substrate for treatment of trichloroethene (TCE). TCE degradation in a batch reactor was measured as the decrease of TCE concentration over time and the corresponding evolution of chloride; notably, this occurred without the formation of commonly encountered chlorinated intermediates. The reaction was initiated when Ti/MMO cathode potentials were less than -0.8 V vs. the standard hydrogen electrode, and the rate of TCE degradation increased linearly with progressively more negative potentials. The maximum pseudo-first-order heterogeneous rate constant was approximately 0.05 cm min(-1), which is comparable to more commonly used cathode materials such as nickel. In laboratory-scale flow-though column reactors designed to simulate permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), TCE concentrations were reduced by 80-90%. The extent of TCE flux reduction increased with the applied potential difference across the electrodes and was largely insensitive to the spacing distance between the electrodes. This is the first report of the electrochemical reduction of a chlorinated organic contaminant at a Ti/MMO cathode, and these results support the use of this material in PRBs as a possible approach to manage TCE plume migration.

  16. Considerations on sample holder design and custom-made non-polarizable electrodes for Spectral Induced Polarization measurements on unsaturated soils

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaouane, C.; Chouteau, M. C.; Fauchard, C.; Cote, P.

    2014-12-01

    Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP) is a geophysical method sensitive to water content, saturation and grain size distribution. It could be used as an alternative to nuclear probes to assess the compaction of soils in road works. To evaluate the potential of SIP as a practical tool, we designed an experiment for complex conductivity measurements on unsaturated soil samples.Literature presents a large variety of sample holders and designs, each depending on the context. Although we might find some precise description about the sample holder, exact replication is not always possible. Furthermore, the potential measurements are often done using custom-made Ag/AgCl electrodes and very few indications are given on their reliability with time and temperature. Our objective is to perform complex conductivity measurements on soil samples compacted in a PVC cylindrical mould (10 cm-long, 5 cm-diameter) according to geotechnical standards. To expect homogeneous current density, electrical current is transmitted through the sample via chambers filled with agar gel. Agar gel is a good non-polarizable conductor within the frequency range (1 mHz -20kHz). Its electrical properties are slightly known. We measured increasing of agar-agar electrical conductivity in time. We modelled the influence of this variation on the measurement. If the electrodes are located on the sample, it is minimized. Because of the dimensions at stake and the need for simple design, potential electrodes are located outside the sample, hence the gel contributes to the measurements. Since the gel is fairly conductive, we expect to overestimate the sample conductivity. Potential electrodes are non-polarizable Ag/AgCl electrodes. To avoid any leakage, the KCl solution in the electrodes is replaced by saturated KCl-agar gel. These electrodes are low cost and show a low, stable, self-potential (<1mV). In addition, the technique of making electrode can be easily reproduced and storage and maintenance are simple. We measured a variation of less than 1 mS/m of the electrolyte conductivity during the time of measurement (~1h40) for a conductivity range 25-100 mS/m, showing no ionic contamination of the solution by the electrodes. An improvement to the cell design would be to control the internal temperature of the sample.

  17. Atomic-Scale Simulation of Electrochemical Processes at Electrode/Water Interfaces under Referenced Bias Potential.

    PubMed

    Bouzid, Assil; Pasquarello, Alfredo

    2018-04-19

    Based on constant Fermi-level molecular dynamics and a proper alignment scheme, we perform simulations of the Pt(111)/water interface under variable bias potential referenced to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE). Our scheme yields a potential of zero charge μ pzc of ∼0.22 eV relative to the SHE and a double layer capacitance C dl of ≃19 μF cm -2 , in excellent agreement with experimental measurements. In addition, we study the structural reorganization of the electrical double layer for bias potentials ranging from -0.92 eV to +0.44 eV and find that O down configurations, which are dominant at potentials above the pzc, reorient to favor H down configurations as the measured potential becomes negative. Our modeling scheme allows one to not only access atomic-scale processes at metal/water interfaces, but also to quantitatively estimate macroscopic electrochemical quantities.

  18. Bendable Electro-chemical Lactate Sensor Printed with Silver Nano-particles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abrar, Md Abu; Dong, Yue; Lee, Paul Kyuheon; Kim, Woo Soo

    2016-07-01

    Here we report a flexible amperometric lactate biosensor using silver nanoparticle based conductive electrode. Mechanically bendable cross-serpentine-shaped silver electrode is generated on flexible substrate for the mechanical durability such as bending. The biosensor is designed and fabricated by modifying silver electrode with lactate oxidase immobilized by bovine serum albumin. The in-sensor pseudo Ag/AgCl reference electrode is fabricated by chloridization of silver electrode, which evinced its long-term potential stability against a standard commercial Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The amperometric response of the sensor shows linear dependence with lactate concentration of 1~25 mM/L. Anionic selectivity is achieved by using drop-casted Nafion coated on silver electrode against anionic interferences such as ascorbate. This non-invasive electrochemical lactate sensor also demonstrates excellent resiliency against mechanical deformation and temperature fluctuation which leads the possibility of using it on human epidermis for continuous measurement of lactate from sweat. Near field communication based wireless data transmission is demonstrated to reflect a practical approach of the sensor to measure lactate concentration portably using human perspiration.

  19. Bendable Electro-chemical Lactate Sensor Printed with Silver Nano-particles

    PubMed Central

    Abrar, Md Abu; Dong, Yue; Lee, Paul Kyuheon; Kim, Woo Soo

    2016-01-01

    Here we report a flexible amperometric lactate biosensor using silver nanoparticle based conductive electrode. Mechanically bendable cross-serpentine-shaped silver electrode is generated on flexible substrate for the mechanical durability such as bending. The biosensor is designed and fabricated by modifying silver electrode with lactate oxidase immobilized by bovine serum albumin. The in-sensor pseudo Ag/AgCl reference electrode is fabricated by chloridization of silver electrode, which evinced its long-term potential stability against a standard commercial Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The amperometric response of the sensor shows linear dependence with lactate concentration of 1~25 mM/L. Anionic selectivity is achieved by using drop-casted Nafion coated on silver electrode against anionic interferences such as ascorbate. This non-invasive electrochemical lactate sensor also demonstrates excellent resiliency against mechanical deformation and temperature fluctuation which leads the possibility of using it on human epidermis for continuous measurement of lactate from sweat. Near field communication based wireless data transmission is demonstrated to reflect a practical approach of the sensor to measure lactate concentration portably using human perspiration. PMID:27465437

  20. Prevalence of Extracochlear Electrodes: Computerized Tomography Scans, Cochlear Implant Maps, and Operative Reports.

    PubMed

    Holder, Jourdan T; Kessler, David M; Noble, Jack H; Gifford, René H; Labadie, Robert F

    2018-06-01

    To quantify and compare the number of cochlear implant (CI) electrodes found to be extracochlear on postoperative computerized tomography (CT) scans, the number of basal electrodes deactivated during standard CI mapping (without knowledge of the postoperative CT scan), and the extent of electrode insertion noted by the surgeon. Retrospective. Academic Medical Center. Two hundred sixty-two patients underwent standard cochlear implantation and postoperative temporal bone CT scanning. Scans were analyzed to determine the number of extracochlear electrodes. Standard CI programming had been completed without knowledge of the extracochlear electrodes identified on the CT. These standard CI maps were reviewed to record the number of deactivated basal electrodes. Lastly, each operative report was reviewed to record the extent of reported electrode insertion. 13.4% (n = 35) of CIs were found to have at least one electrode outside of the cochlea on the CT scan. Review of CI mapping indicated that audiologists had deactivated extracochlear electrodes in 60% (21) of these cases. Review of operative reports revealed that surgeons correctly indicated the number of extracochlear electrodes in 6% (2) of these cases. Extracochlear electrodes were correctly identified audiologically in 60% of cases and in surgical reports in 6% of cases; however, it is possible that at least a portion of these cases involved postoperative electrode migration. Given these findings, postoperative CT scans can provide information regarding basal electrode location, which could help improve programming accuracy, associated frequency allocation, and audibility with appropriate deactivation of extracochlear electrodes.

  1. Optimal MEMS device for mobility and zeta potential measurements using DC electrophoresis.

    PubMed

    Karam, Pascal R; Dukhin, Andrei; Pennathur, Sumita

    2017-05-01

    We have developed a novel microchannel geometry that allows us to perform simple DC electrophoresis to measure the electrophoretic mobility and zeta potential of analytes and particles. In standard capillary geometries, mobility measurements using DC fields are difficult to perform. Specifically, measurements in open capillaries require knowledge of the hard to measure and often dynamic wall surface potential. Although measurements in closed capillaries eliminate this requirement, the measurements must be performed at infinitesimally small regions of zero flow where the pressure driven-flow completely cancels the electroosmotic flow (Komagata Planes). Furthermore, applied DC fields lead to electrode polarization, further questioning the reliability and accuracy of the measurement. In contrast, our geometry expands and moves the Komagata planes to where velocity gradients are at a minimum, and thus knowledge of the precise location of a Komagata plane is not necessary. Additionally, our microfluidic device prevents electrode polarization because of fluid recirculation around the electrodes. We fabricated our device using standard MEMS fabrication techniques and performed electrophoretic mobility measurements on 500 nm fluorescently tagged polystyrene particles at various buffer concentrations. Results are comparable to two different commercial dynamic light scattering based particle sizing instruments. We conclude with guidelines to further develop this robust electrophoretic tool that allows for facile and efficient particle characterization. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. Ballistocardiogram Artifact Removal with a Reference Layer and Standard EEG Cap

    PubMed Central

    Luo, Qingfei; Huang, Xiaoshan; Glover, Gary H.

    2014-01-01

    Background In simultaneous EEG-fMRI, the EEG recordings are severely contaminated by ballistocardiogram (BCG) artifacts, which are caused by cardiac pulsations. To reconstruct and remove the BCG artifacts, one promising method is to measure the artifacts in the absence of EEG signal by placing a group of electrodes (BCG electrodes) on a conductive layer (reference layer) insulated from the scalp. However, current BCG reference layer (BRL) methods either use a customized EEG cap composed of electrode pairs, or need to construct the custom reference layer through additional model-building experiments for each EEG-fMRI experiment. These requirements have limited the versatility and efficiency of BRL. The aim of this study is to propose a more practical and efficient BRL method and compare its performance with the most popular BCG removal method, the optimal basis sets (OBS) algorithm. New Method By designing the reference layer as a permanent and reusable cap, the new BRL method is able to be used with a standard EEG cap, and no extra experiments and preparations are needed to use the BRL in an EEG-fMRI experiment. Results The BRL method effectively removed the BCG artifacts from both oscillatory and evoked potential scalp recordings and recovered the EEG signal. Comparison with Existing Method Compared to the OBS, this new BRL method improved the contrast-to-noise ratios of the alpha-wave, visual, and auditory evoked potential signals by 101%, 76%, and 75% respectively, employing 160 BCG electrodes. Using only 20 BCG electrodes, the BRL improved the EEG signal by 74%/26%/41% respectively. Conclusion The proposed method can substantially improve the EEG signal quality compared with traditional methods. PMID:24960423

  3. Evaluation of a Low-cost and Low-noise Active Dry Electrode for Long-term Biopotential Recording

    PubMed Central

    Pourahmad, Ali; Mahnam, Amin

    2016-01-01

    Wet Ag/AgCl electrodes, although very popular in clinical diagnosis, are not appropriate for expanding applications of wearable biopotential recording systems which are used repetitively and for a long time. Here, the development of a low-cost and low-noise active dry electrode is presented. The performance of the new electrodes was assessed for recording electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) in comparison with that of typical gel-based electrodes in a series of long-term recording experiments. The ECG signal recorded by these electrodes was well comparable with usual Ag/AgCl electrodes with a correlation up to 99.5% and mean power line noise below 6.0 μVRMS. The active electrodes were also used to measure alpha wave and steady state visual evoked potential by recording EEG. The recorded signals were comparable in quality with signals recorded by standard gel electrodes, suggesting that the designed electrodes can be employed in EEG-based rehabilitation systems and brain-computer interface applications. The mean power line noise in EEG signals recorded by the active electrodes (1.3 μVRMS) was statistically lower than when conventional gold cup electrodes were used (2.0 μVRMS) with a significant level of 0.05, and the new electrodes appeared to be more resistant to the electromagnetic interferences. These results suggest that the developed low-cost electrodes can be used to develop wearable monitoring systems for long-term biopotential recording. PMID:28028495

  4. Thermodynamic properties of La-Ga-Al and U-Ga-Al alloys and the separation factor of U/La couple in the molten salt-liquid metal system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Novoselova, A.; Smolenski, V.; Volkovich, V. A.; Ivanov, A. B.; Osipenko, A.; Griffiths, T. R.

    2015-11-01

    The electrochemical behaviour of lanthanum and uranium was studied in fused 3LiCl-2KCl eutectic and Ga-Al eutectic liquid metal alloy between 723 and 823 K. Electrode potentials were recorded vs. Cl-/Cl2 reference electrode and the temperature dependencies of the apparent standard potentials of La-(Ga-Al) and U-(Ga-Al) alloys were determined. Lanthanum and uranium activity coefficients and U/La couple separation factor were calculated. Partial excess free Gibbs energy, partial enthalpy of mixing and partial excess entropy of La-(Ga-Al) and U-(Ga-Al) alloys were estimated.

  5. Guiding pancreatic beta cells to target electrodes in a whole-cell biosensor for diabetes.

    PubMed

    Pedraza, Eileen; Karajić, Aleksandar; Raoux, Matthieu; Perrier, Romain; Pirog, Antoine; Lebreton, Fanny; Arbault, Stéphane; Gaitan, Julien; Renaud, Sylvie; Kuhn, Alexander; Lang, Jochen

    2015-10-07

    We are developing a cell-based bioelectronic glucose sensor that exploits the multi-parametric sensing ability of pancreatic islet cells for the treatment of diabetes. These cells sense changes in the concentration of glucose and physiological hormones and immediately react by generating electrical signals. In our sensor, signals from multiple cells are recorded as field potentials by a micro-electrode array (MEA). Thus, cell response to various factors can be assessed rapidly and with high throughput. However, signal quality and consequently overall sensor performance rely critically on close cell-electrode proximity. Therefore, we present here a non-invasive method of further exploiting the electrical properties of these cells to guide them towards multiple micro-electrodes via electrophoresis. Parameters were optimized by measuring the cell's zeta potential and modeling the electric field distribution. Clonal and primary mouse or human β-cells migrated directly to target electrodes during the application of a 1 V potential between MEA electrodes for 3 minutes. The morphology, insulin secretion, and electrophysiological characteristics were not altered compared to controls. Thus, cell manipulation on standard MEAs was achieved without introducing any external components and while maintaining the performance of the biosensor. Since the analysis of the cells' electrical activity was performed in real time via on-chip recording and processing, this work demonstrates that our biosensor is operational from the first step of electrically guiding cells to the final step of automatic recognition. Our favorable results with pancreatic islets, which are highly sensitive and fragile cells, are encouraging for the extension of this technique to other cell types and microarray devices.

  6. Development of Spatially-Based Emission Factors from Real-Time Measurements of Gaseous Pollutants Using Cermet Sensors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-03-01

    produce a current-limited steady state output potential that follows the Nernst equation (Fraden 1993): E = Eo + ((RT)/nF)ln(CO/CR) (2) CO...temperature, EO: electrode potential at standard state. Nernst equation governs many half-cell reactions in electrochemical cells. The cell...voltammetric cell, the analytes react (oxidize or reduce) at very characteristic potentials according to the following simplified equation (Smyth

  7. A flexible electrode array for muscle impedance measurements in the mouse hind limb: A tool to speed research in neuromuscular disease

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, J.; Rutkove, S. B.

    2013-04-01

    Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a bioelectrical impedance technique focused on the assessment of neuromuscular diseases using tetrapolar surface arrays. Recently, we have shown that reproducible and sensitive EIM measurements can be made on the gastrocnemius muscle of the mouse hind limb and that these are sensitive to disease alterations. A dedicated array would help speed data acquisition and provide additional sensitivity to disease-induced alterations. A flexible electrode array was developed with electrode sizes of 1mm × 1mm by Parlex, Inc. Tetrapolar electrode sets were arranged both parallel to (longitudinal) and orthogonally to (transverse) the major muscle fiber direction of the gastrocnemius muscle. Measurements were made with a dedicated EIM system. A total of 11 healthy animals and 7 animals with spinal muscular atrophy (a form of motor neuron disease) were evaluated after the fur was completely removed with a depilatory agent from the hind limb. Standard electrophysiologic testing (compound motor action potential amplitude and motor unit number estimation) was also performed. The flexible electrode array demonstrated high repeatability in both the longitudinal and transverse directions in the healthy and diseased animals (with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.94 and 0.89, respectively, for phase angle measured transversely). In addition, differences between healthy and diseased animals were identifiable. For example, the 50 kHz transverse phase angle was higher in the healthy as compared to the SMA animals (16.8° ± 0.5 vs. 14.3° ± 0.7, respectively) at 21 weeks of age (p = 0.01). Differences in anisotropy were also identifiable. Correlations to several standard neurophysiologic parameters also appeared promising. This novel flexible tetrapolar electrode array can be used on the mouse hind limb and provides multidirectional data that can be used to assess muscle health. This technique has the potential of finding widespread use in the evaluation of drug therapies in neuromuscular animal disease models.

  8. Electrochemical Measurement of Electron Transfer Kinetics by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1*

    PubMed Central

    Baron, Daniel; LaBelle, Edward; Coursolle, Dan; Gralnick, Jeffrey A.; Bond, Daniel R.

    2009-01-01

    Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1 can respire using carbon electrodes and metal oxyhydroxides as electron acceptors, requiring mechanisms for transferring electrons from the cell interior to surfaces located beyond the cell. Although purified outer membrane cytochromes will reduce both electrodes and metals, S. oneidensis also secretes flavins, which accelerate electron transfer to metals and electrodes. We developed techniques for detecting direct electron transfer by intact cells, using turnover and single turnover voltammetry. Metabolically active cells attached to graphite electrodes produced thin (submonolayer) films that demonstrated both catalytic and reversible electron transfer in the presence and absence of flavins. In the absence of soluble flavins, electron transfer occurred in a broad potential window centered at ∼0 V (versus standard hydrogen electrode), and was altered in single (ΔomcA, ΔmtrC) and double deletion (ΔomcA/ΔmtrC) mutants of outer membrane cytochromes. The addition of soluble flavins at physiological concentrations significantly accelerated electron transfer and allowed catalytic electron transfer to occur at lower applied potentials (−0.2 V). Scan rate analysis indicated that rate constants for direct electron transfer were slower than those reported for pure cytochromes (∼1 s−1). These observations indicated that anodic current in the higher (>0 V) window is due to activation of a direct transfer mechanism, whereas electron transfer at lower potentials is enabled by flavins. The electrochemical dissection of these activities in living cells into two systems with characteristic midpoint potentials and kinetic behaviors explains prior observations and demonstrates the complementary nature of S. oneidensis electron transfer strategies. PMID:19661057

  9. Electrochemical atomic force microscopy: In situ monitoring of electrochemical processes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reggente, Melania; Passeri, Daniele; Rossi, Marco; Tamburri, Emanuela; Terranova, Maria Letizia

    2017-08-01

    The in-situ electrodeposition of polyaniline (PANI), one of the most attractive conducting polymers (CP), has been monitored performing electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) experiments. The electropolymerization of PANI on a Pt working electrode has been observed performing cyclic voltammetry experiments and controlling the evolution of current flowing through the electrode surface, together with a standard AFM image. The working principle and the potentialities of this emerging technique are briefly reviewed and factors limiting the studying of the in-situ electrosynthesis of organic compounds discussed.

  10. Electrochemical Evaluation of trans-Resveratrol Levels in Red Wine Based on the Interaction between Resveratrol and Graphene.

    PubMed

    Liu, Lantao; Zhou, Yanli; Kang, Yiyu; Huang, Haihong; Li, Congming; Xu, Maotian; Ye, Baoxian

    2017-01-01

    trans -Resveratrol is often considered as one of the quality standards of red wine, and the development of a sensitive and reliable method for monitoring the trans -resveratrol levels in red wine is an urgent requirement for the quality control. Here, a novel voltammetric approach was described for probing trans -resveratrol using a graphene-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The proposed electrode was prepared by one-step electrodeposition of reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) at a GC electrode. Compared with the bare GC electrode, the introduced graphene film on the electrode surface dramatically improved the sensitivity of the sensor response due to the π - π interaction between the graphene and trans -resveratrol. The developed sensor exhibited low detection limit of 0.2  μ M with wide linear range of 0.8-32  μ M and high stability. For the analysis of trans -resveratrol in red wine, the high anti-interference ability and the good recoveries indicated the great potential for practical applications.

  11. Electrochemical Evaluation of trans-Resveratrol Levels in Red Wine Based on the Interaction between Resveratrol and Graphene

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Lantao; Kang, Yiyu; Huang, Haihong; Li, Congming; Ye, Baoxian

    2017-01-01

    trans-Resveratrol is often considered as one of the quality standards of red wine, and the development of a sensitive and reliable method for monitoring the trans-resveratrol levels in red wine is an urgent requirement for the quality control. Here, a novel voltammetric approach was described for probing trans-resveratrol using a graphene-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The proposed electrode was prepared by one-step electrodeposition of reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) at a GC electrode. Compared with the bare GC electrode, the introduced graphene film on the electrode surface dramatically improved the sensitivity of the sensor response due to the π-π interaction between the graphene and trans-resveratrol. The developed sensor exhibited low detection limit of 0.2 μM with wide linear range of 0.8–32 μM and high stability. For the analysis of trans-resveratrol in red wine, the high anti-interference ability and the good recoveries indicated the great potential for practical applications. PMID:28819581

  12. A versatile all-channel stimulator for electrode arrays, with real-time control

    PubMed Central

    Wagenaar, Daniel A; Potter, Steve M

    2008-01-01

    Over the last few decades, technology to record through ever increasing numbers of electrodes has become available to electrophysiologists. For the study of distributed neural processing, however, the ability to stimulate through equal numbers of electrodes, and thus to attain bidirectional communication, is of paramount importance. Here, we present a stimulation system for multi-electrode arrays which interfaces with existing commercial recording hardware, and allows stimulation through any electrode in the array, with rapid switching between channels. The system is controlled through real-time Linux, making it extremely flexible: stimulation sequences can be constructed on-the-fly, and arbitrary stimulus waveforms can be used if desired. A key feature of this design is that it can be readily and inexpensively reproduced in other labs, since it interfaces to standard PC parallel ports and uses only off-the-shelf components. Moreover, adaptation for use with in vivo multi-electrode probes would be straightforward. In combination with our freely available data-acquisition software, MeaBench, this system can provide feedback stimulation in response to recorded action potentials within 15 ms. PMID:15876621

  13. Developments on the Toroid Ion Trap Analyzer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lammert, S.A.; Thompson, C.V.; Wise, M.B.

    1999-06-13

    Investigations into several areas of research have been undertaken to address the performance limitations of the toroid analyzer. The Simion 3D6 (2) ion optics simulation program was used to determine whether the potential well minimum of the toroid trapping field is in the physical center of the trap electrode structure. The results (Figures 1) indicate that the minimum of the potential well is shifted towards the inner ring electrode by an amount approximately equal to 10% of the r0 dimension. A simulation of the standard 3D ion trap under similar conditions was performed as a control. In this case, themore » ions settle to the minimum of the potential well at a point that is coincident with the physical center (both radial and axial) of the trapping electrodes. It is proposed that by using simulation programs, a set of new analyzer electrodes can be fashioned that will correct for the non- linear fields introduced by curving the substantially quadrupolar field about the toroid axis in order to provide a trapping field similar to the 3D ion trap cross- section. A new toroid electrode geometry has been devised to allow the use of channel- tron style detectors in place of the more expensive multichannel plate detector. Two different versions have been designed and constructed - one using the current ion trap cross- section (Figure 2) and another using the linear quedrupole cross- section design first reported by Bier and Syka (3).« less

  14. Electrode spanning with partial tripolar stimulation mode in cochlear implants.

    PubMed

    Wu, Ching-Chih; Luo, Xin

    2014-12-01

    The perceptual effects of electrode spanning (i.e., the use of nonadjacent return electrodes) in partial tripolar (pTP) mode were tested on a main electrode EL8 in five cochlear implant (CI) users. Current focusing was controlled by σ (the ratio of current returned within the cochlea), and current steering was controlled by α (the ratio of current returned to the basal electrode). Experiment 1 tested whether asymmetric spanning with α = 0.5 can create additional channels around standard pTP stimuli. It was found that in general, apical spanning (i.e., returning current to EL6 rather than EL7) elicited a pitch between those of standard pTP stimuli on main electrodes EL8 and EL9, while basal spanning (i.e., returning current to EL10 rather than EL9) elicited a pitch between those of standard pTP stimuli on main electrodes EL7 and EL8. The pitch increase caused by apical spanning was more salient than the pitch decrease caused by basal spanning. To replace the standard pTP channel on the main electrode EL8 when EL7 or EL9 is defective, experiment 2 tested asymmetrically spanned pTP stimuli with various α, and experiment 3 tested symmetrically spanned pTP stimuli with various σ. The results showed that pitch increased with decreasing α in asymmetric spanning, or with increasing σ in symmetric spanning. Apical spanning with α around 0.69 and basal spanning with α around 0.38 may both elicit a similar pitch as the standard pTP stimulus. With the same σ, the symmetrically spanned pTP stimulus was higher in pitch than the standard pTP stimulus. A smaller σ was thus required for symmetric spanning to match the pitch of the standard pTP stimulus. In summary, electrode spanning is an effective field-shaping technique that is useful for adding spectral channels and handling defective electrodes with CIs.

  15. Marine phototrophic consortia transfer electrons to electrodes in response to reductive stress.

    PubMed

    Darus, Libertus; Ledezma, Pablo; Keller, Jürg; Freguia, Stefano

    2016-03-01

    This work studies how extracellular electron transfer (EET) from cyanobacteria-dominated marine microbial biofilms to solid electrodes is affected by the availability of inorganic carbon (Ci). The EET was recorded chronoamperometrically in the form of electrical current by a potentiostat in two identical photo-electrochemical cells using carbon electrodes poised at a potential of +0.6 V versus standard hydrogen electrode under 12/12 h illumination/dark cycles. The Ci was supplied by the addition of NaHCO3 to the medium and/or by sparging CO2 gas. At high Ci conditions, EET from the microbial biofilm to the electrodes was observed only during the dark phase, indicating the occurrence of a form of night-time respiration that can use insoluble electrodes as the terminal electron acceptor. At low or no Ci conditions, however, EET also occurred during illumination suggesting that, in the absence of their natural electron acceptor, some cyanobacteria are able to utilise solid electrodes as an electron sink. This may be a natural survival mechanism for cyanobacteria to maintain redox balance in environments with limiting CO2 and/or high light intensity.

  16. Activity and Durability of Iridium Nanoparticles in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Alia, Shaun M.; Rasimick, Brian; Ngo, Chilan

    Unsupported iridium (Ir) nanoparticles, that serve as standard oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts in acidic electrolyzers, were investigated for electrochemical performance and durability in rotating disk electrode (RDE) half-cells. Fixed potential holds and potential cycling were applied to probe the durability of Ir nanoparticles, and performance losses were found to be driven by particle growth (coarsening) at moderate potential (1.4 to 1.6 V) and Ir dissolution at higher potential (>/=1.8 V). Several different commercially available samples were evaluated and standardized conditions for performance comparison are reported. In conclusion, the electrocatalyst RDE results have also been compared to results obtained formore » performance and durability in electrolysis cells.« less

  17. Activity and Durability of Iridium Nanoparticles in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

    DOE PAGES

    Alia, Shaun M.; Rasimick, Brian; Ngo, Chilan; ...

    2016-07-15

    Unsupported iridium (Ir) nanoparticles, that serve as standard oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts in acidic electrolyzers, were investigated for electrochemical performance and durability in rotating disk electrode (RDE) half-cells. Fixed potential holds and potential cycling were applied to probe the durability of Ir nanoparticles, and performance losses were found to be driven by particle growth (coarsening) at moderate potential (1.4 to 1.6 V) and Ir dissolution at higher potential (>/=1.8 V). Several different commercially available samples were evaluated and standardized conditions for performance comparison are reported. In conclusion, the electrocatalyst RDE results have also been compared to results obtained formore » performance and durability in electrolysis cells.« less

  18. Assessment of the suitability of using a forehead EEG electrode set and chin EMG electrodes for sleep staging in polysomnography.

    PubMed

    Myllymaa, Sami; Muraja-Murro, Anu; Westeren-Punnonen, Susanna; Hukkanen, Taina; Lappalainen, Reijo; Mervaala, Esa; Töyräs, Juha; Sipilä, Kirsi; Myllymaa, Katja

    2016-12-01

    Recently, a number of portable devices designed for full polysomnography at home have appeared. However, current scalp electrodes used for electroencephalograms are not practical for patient self-application. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of recently introduced forehead electroencephalogram electrode set and supplementary chin electromyogram electrodes for sleep staging. From 31 subjects (10 male, 21 female; age 31.3 ± 11.8 years), sleep was recorded simultaneously with a forehead electroencephalogram electrode set and with a standard polysomnography setup consisting of six recommended electroencephalogram channels, two electrooculogram channels and chin electromyogram. Thereafter, two experienced specialists scored each recording twice, based on either standard polysomnography or forehead recordings. Sleep variables recorded with the forehead electroencephalogram electrode set and separate chin electromyogram electrodes were highly consistent with those obtained with the standard polysomnography. There were no statistically significant differences in total sleep time, sleep efficiency or sleep latencies. However, compared with the standard polysomnography, there was a significant increase in the amount of stage N1 and N2, and a significant reduction in stage N3 and rapid eye movement sleep. Overall, epoch-by-epoch agreement between the methods was 79.5%. Inter-scorer agreement for the forehead electroencephalogram was only slightly lower than that for standard polysomnography (76.1% versus 83.2%). Forehead electroencephalogram electrode set as supplemented with chin electromyogram electrodes may serve as a reliable and simple solution for recording total sleep time, and may be adequate for measuring sleep architecture. Because this electrode concept is well suited for patient's self-application, it may offer a significant advancement in home polysomnography. © 2016 European Sleep Research Society.

  19. Powder processing of hybrid titanium neural electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lopez, Jose Luis, Jr.

    A preliminary investigation into the powder production of a novel hybrid titanium neural electrode for EEG is presented. The rheological behavior of titanium powder suspensions using sodium alginate as a dispersant are examined for optimal slip casting conditions. Electrodes were slip cast and sintered at 950°C for 1 hr, 1000°C for 1, 3, and 6 hrs, and 1050°C for 1 hr. Residual porosities from sintering are characterized using Archimedes' technique and image analysis. The pore network is gel impregnated by submerging the electrodes in electrically conductive gel and placing them in a chamber under vacuum. Gel evaporation of the impregnated electrodes is examined. Electrodes are characterized in the dry and gelled states using impedance spectrometry and compared to a standard silver- silver chloride electrode. Power spectral densities for the sensors in the dry and gelled state are also compared. Residual porosities for the sintered specimens were between 50.59% and 44.81%. Gel evaporation tests show most of the impregnated gel evaporating within 20 min of exposure to atmospheric conditions with prolonged evaporation times for electrodes with higher impregnated gel mass. Impedance measurements of the produced electrodes indicate the low impedance of the hybrid electrodes are due to the increased contact area of the porous electrode. Power spectral densities of the titanium electrode behave similar to a standard silver-silver chloride electrode. Tests suggest the powder processed hybrid titanium electrode's performance is better than current dry contact electrodes and comparable to standard gelled silver-silver chloride electrodes.

  20. An electrochemical sensor for homocysteine detection using gold nanoparticle incorporated reduced graphene oxide.

    PubMed

    Rajaram, Rajendran; Mathiyarasu, Jayaraman

    2018-05-30

    In this work, we report a methodology for the quantification of Homocysteine (HcySH) at neutral pH (pH-7.0) using Au nanoparticles incorporated reduced graphene oxide (AuNP/rGO/GCE) modified glassy carbon electrode. The modified electrode was characterized using SEM and XRD techniques. The electrode exhibited a typical behavior against the standard redox probe [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3-/4- and resulted in 0.06 V peak to peak potential value. The modified electrode exhibited electrocatalytic activity towards electrochemical biosensing of HcySH, which is established using voltammetric studies. HcySH oxidation peak potential is observed at 0.12 V on AuNP/rGO/GCE which is 0.7 V cathodic than bare glassy carbon electrode (0.82 V). The large peak potential shift observed is reasoned as the interaction of SH group of HcySH with the gold nanoparticles and the electrocatalytic property of reduced graphene oxide that enhances the electrochemical detection at reduced overpotential. Further, successive addition of HcySH showed a linear increment in the sensitivity within the concentration range of 2-14 mM. From an amperometric protocol, the limit of detection is found as 6.9 μM with a sensitivity of 14.8 nA/μM. From a set of cyclic voltammetric measurements, it is observed that the electrode produces a linear signal on the concentration of HcySH in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Thus it can be concluded that the matrix can detect HcySH even in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Applying dynamic data collection to improve dry electrode system performance for a P300-based brain-computer interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Clements, J. M.; Sellers, E. W.; Ryan, D. B.; Caves, K.; Collins, L. M.; Throckmorton, C. S.

    2016-12-01

    Objective. Dry electrodes have an advantage over gel-based ‘wet’ electrodes by providing quicker set-up time for electroencephalography recording; however, the potentially poorer contact can result in noisier recordings. We examine the impact that this may have on brain-computer interface communication and potential approaches for mitigation. Approach. We present a performance comparison of wet and dry electrodes for use with the P300 speller system in both healthy participants and participants with communication disabilities (ALS and PLS), and investigate the potential for a data-driven dynamic data collection algorithm to compensate for the lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in dry systems. Main results. Performance results from sixteen healthy participants obtained in the standard static data collection environment demonstrate a substantial loss in accuracy with the dry system. Using a dynamic stopping algorithm, performance may have been improved by collecting more data in the dry system for ten healthy participants and eight participants with communication disabilities; however, the algorithm did not fully compensate for the lower SNR of the dry system. An analysis of the wet and dry system recordings revealed that delta and theta frequency band power (0.1-4 Hz and 4-8 Hz, respectively) are consistently higher in dry system recordings across participants, indicating that transient and drift artifacts may be an issue for dry systems. Significance. Using dry electrodes is desirable for reduced set-up time; however, this study demonstrates that online performance is significantly poorer than for wet electrodes for users with and without disabilities. We test a new application of dynamic stopping algorithms to compensate for poorer SNR. Dynamic stopping improved dry system performance; however, further signal processing efforts are likely necessary for full mitigation.

  2. Design and in vivo evaluation of more efficient and selective deep brain stimulation electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Howell, Bryan; Huynh, Brian; Grill, Warren M.

    2015-08-01

    Objective. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for movement disorders and a promising therapy for treating epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. Despite its clinical success, the efficiency and selectivity of DBS can be improved. Our objective was to design electrode geometries that increased the efficiency and selectivity of DBS. Approach. We coupled computational models of electrodes in brain tissue with cable models of axons of passage (AOPs), terminating axons (TAs), and local neurons (LNs); we used engineering optimization to design electrodes for stimulating these neural elements; and the model predictions were tested in vivo. Main results. Compared with the standard electrode used in the Medtronic Model 3387 and 3389 arrays, model-optimized electrodes consumed 45-84% less power. Similar gains in selectivity were evident with the optimized electrodes: 50% of parallel AOPs could be activated while reducing activation of perpendicular AOPs from 44 to 48% with the standard electrode to 0-14% with bipolar designs; 50% of perpendicular AOPs could be activated while reducing activation of parallel AOPs from 53 to 55% with the standard electrode to 1-5% with an array of cathodes; and, 50% of TAs could be activated while reducing activation of AOPs from 43 to 100% with the standard electrode to 2-15% with a distal anode. In vivo, both the geometry and polarity of the electrode had a profound impact on the efficiency and selectivity of stimulation. Significance. Model-based design is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the efficiency and selectivity of DBS electrodes.

  3. Millimeter-scale epileptiform spike propagation patterns and their relationship to seizures

    PubMed Central

    Vanleer, Ann C; Blanco, Justin A; Wagenaar, Joost B; Viventi, Jonathan; Contreras, Diego; Litt, Brian

    2016-01-01

    Objective Current mapping of epileptic networks in patients prior to epilepsy surgery utilizes electrode arrays with sparse spatial sampling (∼1.0 cm inter-electrode spacing). Recent research demonstrates that sub-millimeter, cortical-column-scale domains have a role in seizure generation that may be clinically significant. We use high-resolution, active, flexible surface electrode arrays with 500 μm inter-electrode spacing to explore epileptiform local field potential spike propagation patterns in two dimensions recorded from subdural micro-electrocorticographic signals in vivo in cat. In this study, we aimed to develop methods to quantitatively characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics of epileptiform activity at high-resolution. Approach We topically administered a GABA-antagonist, picrotoxin, to induce acute neocortical epileptiform activity leading up to discrete electrographic seizures. We extracted features from local field potential spikes to characterize spatiotemporal patterns in these events. We then tested the hypothesis that two dimensional spike patterns during seizures were different from those between seizures. Main results We showed that spatially correlated events can be used to distinguish ictal versus interictal spikes. Significance We conclude that sub-millimeter-scale spatiotemporal spike patterns reveal network dynamics that are invisible to standard clinical recordings and contain information related to seizure-state. PMID:26859260

  4. The structure of PccH from Geobactersulfurreducens-a novel low reduction potential monoheme cytochrome essential for accepting electrons from an electrode

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dantas, Joana; Campelo, Luisa M.; Duke, Norma E. C.

    The structure of cytochrome c (GSU3274) designated as PccH from Geobactersulfurreducens was determined at a resolution of 2.0 angstrom. PccH is a small (15kDa) cytochrome containing one c-type heme, found to be essential for the growth of G.sulfurreducens with respect to accepting electrons from graphite electrodes poised at -300mV versus standard hydrogen electrode. with fumarate as the terminal electron acceptor. The structure of PccH is unique among the monoheme cytochromes described to date. The structural fold of PccH can be described as forming two lobes with the heme sandwiched in a cleft between the two lobes. In addition, PccH hasmore » a low reduction potential of -24mV at pH7, which is unusual for monoheme cytochromes. Based on difference in structure, together with sequence phylogenetic analysis, we propose that PccH can be regarded as a first characterized example of a new subclass of class I monoheme cytochromes. The low reduction potential of PccH may enable the protein to be redox active at the typically negative potential ranges encountered by G. sulfurreducens. Because PccH is predicted to be located in the periplasm of this bacterium, it could not be involved in the first step of accepting electrons from the electrode but is very likely involved in the downstream electron transport events in the periplasm.« less

  5. An Electromyograph Comparison of an Isokenetic Bench Press at Three Speeds.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ridgeway, M.; And Others

    The muscle action potentials (MAP) of the anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, biceps brachii, and the triceps muscle were studied by quantitative electromyography (emg) during a bench press exercise at three controlled speeds. Bipolar surface electrodes with standard placement were employed throughout the study. Eleven volunteer college women…

  6. Electrodiagnostic applications of somatosensory evoked high-frequency EEG oscillations: Technical considerations.

    PubMed

    Simpson, A J; Cunningham, M O; Baker, M R

    2018-03-01

    High frequency oscillations (HFOs) embedded within the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) are not routinely recorded/measured as part of standard clinical SEPs. However, HFOs could provide important additional diagnostic/prognostic information in various patient groups in whom SEPs are tested routinely. One area is the management of patients with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, the sensitivity of standard clinical SEP recording techniques for detecting HFOs is unknown. SEPs were recorded using routine clinical methods in 17 healthy subjects (median nerve stimulation; 0.5 ms pulse width; 5 Hz; maximum 4000 stimuli) in an unshielded laboratory. Bipolar EEG recordings were acquired (gain 50 k; bandpass 3Hz-2 kHz; sampling rate 5 kHz; non-inverting electrode 2 cm anterior to C3/C4; inverting electrode 2 cm posterior to C3/C4). Data analysis was performed in MATLAB. SEP-HFOs were detected in 65% of controls using standard clinical recording techniques. In 3 controls without significant HFOs, experiments were repeated using a linear electrode array with higher spatial sampling frequency. SEP-HFOs were observed in all 3 subjects. Currently standard clinical methods of recording SEPs are not sufficiently sensitive to permit the inclusion of SEP-HFOs in routine clinical diagnostic/prognostic assessments. Whilst an increase in the number/density of EEG electrodes should improve the sensitivity for detecting SEP-HFOs, this requires confirmation. By improving and standardising clinical SEP recording protocols to permit the acquisition/analysis of SEP-HFOs, it should be possible to gain important insights into the pathophysiology of neurological disorders and refine the management of conditions such as HIE. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  7. AC electric field induced dipole-based on-chip 3D cell rotation.

    PubMed

    Benhal, Prateek; Chase, J Geoffrey; Gaynor, Paul; Oback, Björn; Wang, Wenhui

    2014-08-07

    The precise rotation of suspended cells is one of the many fundamental manipulations used in a wide range of biotechnological applications such as cell injection and enucleation in nuclear transfer (NT) cloning. Noticeably scarce among the existing rotation techniques is the three-dimensional (3D) rotation of cells on a single chip. Here we present an alternating current (ac) induced electric field-based biochip platform, which has an open-top sub-mm square chamber enclosed by four sidewall electrodes and two bottom electrodes, to achieve rotation about the two axes, thus 3D cell rotation. By applying an ac potential to the four sidewall electrodes, an in-plane (yaw) rotating electric field is generated and in-plane rotation is achieved. Similarly, by applying an ac potential to two opposite sidewall electrodes and the two bottom electrodes, an out-of-plane (pitch) rotating electric field is generated and rolling rotation is achieved. As a prompt proof-of-concept, bottom electrodes were constructed with transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) using the standard lift-off process and the sidewall electrodes were constructed using a low-cost micro-milling process and then assembled to form the chip. Through experiments, we demonstrate rotation of bovine oocytes of ~120 μm diameter about two axes, with the capability of controlling the rotation direction and the rate for each axis through control of the ac potential amplitude, frequency, and phase shift, and cell medium conductivity. The maximum observed rotation rate reached nearly 140° s⁻¹, while a consistent rotation rate reached up to 40° s⁻¹. Rotation rate spectra for zona pellucida-intact and zona pellucida-free oocytes were further compared and found to have no effective difference. This simple, transparent, cheap-to-manufacture, and open-top platform allows additional functional modules to be integrated to become a more powerful cell manipulation system.

  8. Effects of Flexible Dry Electrode Design on Electrodermal Activity Stimulus Response Detection.

    PubMed

    Haddad, Peter A; Servati, Amir; Soltanian, Saeid; Ko, Frank; Servati, Peyman

    2017-12-01

    The focus of this research is to evaluate the effects of design parameters including surface area, distance between and geometry of dry flexible electrodes on electrodermal activity (EDA) stimulus response detection. EDA is a result of the autonomic nervous system being stimulated, which causes sweat and changes the electrical characteristics of the skin. Standard silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) EDA electrodes are rigid and lack conformability in contact with skin. In this study, flexible dry Ag/AgCl EDA electrodes were fabricated on a compliant substrate, used to monitor EDA stimulus responses and compared to results simultaneously collected by rigid dry Ag/AgCl electrodes. A repeatable fabrication process for flexible Ag/AgCl electrodes has been established. Surface area, distance between and geometry of electrodes are shown to affect the detectability of the EDA response and the minimum number of sweat glands to be covered by the electrodes has been estimated at 140, or more, in order to maintain functionality. The optimal flexible EDA electrode is a serpentine design with a 0.15 cm 2 surface area and a 0.20 cm distance with an average Pearson correlation coefficient of . Fabrication of flexible electrodes is described and an understanding of the effects of electrode designs on the EDA stimulus response detection has been established and is potentially related to the coverage of sweat glands. This work presents a novel systematic approach to understand the effects of electrode designs on monitoring EDA which is of importance for the design of wearable EDA monitoring devices.

  9. Method development for the determination of arsenic by sequential injection/anodic stripping voltammetry using long-lasting gold-modified screen-printed carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Punrat, Eakkasit; Chuanuwatanakul, Suchada; Kaneta, Takashi; Motomizu, Shoji; Chailapakul, Orawon

    2013-11-15

    An automated method has been developed for determining the concentration of inorganic arsenic. The technique uses sequential injection/anodic stripping voltammetry with a long-lasting gold-modified screen-printed carbon electrode. The long-lasting gold electrode was electrochemically deposited onto a screen-printed carbon electrode at a potential of -0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl in a supporting electrolyte solution of 1M hydrochloric acid. Under optimal conditions and the applied potentials, the electrode demonstrated that it can be used for a long time without a renewal process. The linear range for the determination of arsenic(III) was 1-100 μg L(-1), and the limit of detection (LOD) in standard solutions was as low as 0.03 μg L(-1) for a deposition time of 120 s and sample volume of 1 mL. This method was used to determine the concentration of arsenic(III) in water samples with satisfactory results. The LOD in real samples was found to be 0.5 μg L(-1). In addition, speciation between arsenic(III) and arsenic(V) has been achieved with the proposed method using deposition potentials of -0.5 V and -1.5 V for the determination of the arsenic(III) concentration and the total arsenic concentration, respectively; the results were acceptable. The proposed method is an automated system that offers a less expensive alternative for determining trace amounts of inorganic arsenic. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Iron-sulfur-based single molecular wires for enhancing charge transport in enzyme-based bioelectronic systems.

    PubMed

    Mahadevan, Aishwarya; Fernando, Teshan; Fernando, Sandun

    2016-04-15

    When redox enzymes are wired to electrodes outside a living cell (ex vivo), their ability to produce a sufficiently powerful electrical current diminishes significantly due to the thermodynamic and kinetic limitations associated with the wiring systems. Therefore, we are yet to harness the full potential of redox enzymes for the development of self-powering bioelectronics devices (such as sensors and fuel cells). Interestingly, nature uses iron-sulfur complexes ([Fe-S]), to circumvent these issues in vivo. Yet, we have not been able to utilize [Fe-S]-based chains ex vivo, primarily due to their instability in aqueous media. Here, a simple technique to attach iron (II) sulfide (FeS) to a gold surface in ethanol media and then complete the attachment of the enzyme in aqueous media is reported. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroscopy techniques confirmed the concatenation of FeS and glycerol-dehydrogenase/nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide (GlDH-NAD(+)) apoenzyme-coenzyme molecular wiring system on the base gold electrode. The resultant FeS-based enzyme electrode reached an open circuit voltage closer to its standard potential under a wide range of glycerol concentrations (0.001-1M). When probed under constant potential conditions, the FeS-based electrode was able to amplify current by over 10 fold as compared to electrodes fabricated with the conventional pyrroloquinoline quinone-based composite molecular wiring system. These improvements in current/voltage responses open up a wide range of possibilities for fabricating self-powering, bio-electronic devices. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Isolation and Genomic Characterization of ‘Desulfuromonas soudanensis WTL’, a Metal- and Electrode-Respiring Bacterium from Anoxic Deep Subsurface Brine

    PubMed Central

    Badalamenti, Jonathan P.; Summers, Zarath M.; Chan, Chi Ho; Gralnick, Jeffrey A.; Bond, Daniel R.

    2016-01-01

    Reaching a depth of 713 m below the surface, the Soudan Underground Iron Mine (Soudan, MN, USA) transects a massive Archaean (2.7 Ga) banded iron formation, providing a remarkably accessible window into the terrestrial deep biosphere. Despite organic carbon limitation, metal-reducing microbial communities are present in potentially ancient anoxic brines continuously emanating from exploratory boreholes on Level 27. Using graphite electrodes deposited in situ as bait, we electrochemically enriched and isolated a novel halophilic iron-reducing Deltaproteobacterium, ‘Desulfuromonas soudanensis’ strain WTL, from an acetate-fed three-electrode bioreactor poised at +0.24 V (vs. standard hydrogen electrode). Cyclic voltammetry revealed that ‘D. soudanensis’ releases electrons at redox potentials approximately 100 mV more positive than the model freshwater surface isolate Geobacter sulfurreducens, suggesting that its extracellular respiration is tuned for higher potential electron acceptors. ‘D. soudanensis’ contains a 3,958,620-bp circular genome, assembled to completion using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing reads, which encodes a complete TCA cycle, 38 putative multiheme c-type cytochromes, one of which contains 69 heme-binding motifs, and a LuxI/LuxR quorum sensing cassette that produces an unidentified N-acyl homoserine lactone. Another cytochrome is predicted to lie within a putative prophage, suggesting that horizontal gene transfer plays a role in respiratory flexibility among metal reducers. Isolation of ‘D. soudanensis’ underscores the utility of electrode-based approaches for enriching rare metal reducers from a wide range of habitats. PMID:27445996

  12. Gold leaf: From gilding to the fabrication of disposable, wearable and low-cost electrodes.

    PubMed

    Santos, Mauro Sérgio Ferreira; Ameku, Wilson Akira; Gutz, Ivano Gebhardt Rolf; Paixão, Thiago Regis Longo Cesar

    2018-03-01

    Gold is among the most used materials in electrocatalysis. Despite this, this noble metal is still too expensive to be used in the fabrication of low cost and disposable devices. In the present work, gold-leaf sheets, usually employed in decorative crafts and wedding candies, is introduced as an inexpensive source of gold. Planar-disc and nanoband gold electrodes were simply and easily manufactured by combining gold leaf and polyimide tape. The planar disc electrode exhibited electrochemical behavior similar to that of a commercial gold electrode in 0.2molL -1 H 2 SO 4 ; cyclic voltammetry of a 1mmolL -1 solution of potassium ferricyanide (K 3 [Fe(CN) 6 ]) in 0.2molL -1 KNO 3 , using this novel electrode, displayed an 80mV difference between the oxidation and reduction peak potentials. The electrode also delivers promising prospects for the development of wearable devices. When submitted to severe mechanical deformation, this electrode exhibited neither loss of electrical contact nor significant variation in electrode response, even after fifteen bending and/or folding cycles. The thickness of the gold-leaf sheet facilitates the production of nanoband electrodes with behavior similar to that of ultramicroelectrodes. The electrode surface is easily renewed by cutting a thin slice off its end with a razor blade; this process led to limiting currents that were reproducible, presenting a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.8% (n = 5). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Advantage of four-electrode over two-electrode defibrillators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bragard, J.; Šimić, A.; Laroze, D.; Elorza, J.

    2015-12-01

    Defibrillation is the standard clinical treatment used to stop ventricular fibrillation. An electrical device delivers a controlled amount of electrical energy via a pair of electrodes in order to reestablish a normal heart rate. We propose a technique that is a combination of biphasic shocks applied with a four-electrode system rather than the standard two-electrode system. We use a numerical model of a one-dimensional ring of cardiac tissue in order to test and evaluate the benefit of this technique. We compare three different shock protocols, namely a monophasic and two types of biphasic shocks. The results obtained by using a four-electrode system are compared quantitatively with those obtained with the standard two-electrode system. We find that a huge reduction in defibrillation threshold is achieved with the four-electrode system. For the most efficient protocol (asymmetric biphasic), we obtain a reduction in excess of 80% in the energy required for a defibrillation success rate of 90%. The mechanisms of successful defibrillation are also analyzed. This reveals that the advantage of asymmetric biphasic shocks with four electrodes lies in the duration of the cathodal and anodal phase of the shock.

  14. The cavitation induced Becquerel effect and the hot spot theory of sonoluminescence.

    PubMed

    Prevenslik, T V

    2003-06-01

    Over 150 years ago, Becquerel discovered the ultraviolet illumination of one of a pair of identical electrodes in liquid water produced an electric current, the phenomenon called the Becquerel effect. Recently, a similar effect was observed if the water surrounding one electrode is made to cavitate by focused acoustic radiation, which by similarity is referred to as the cavitation induced Becquerel effect. The current in the cavitation induced Becquerel effect was found to be semi-logarithmic with the standard electrode potential that is consistent with the oxidation of the electrode surface by the photo-decomposition theory of photoelectrochemistry. But oxidation of the electrode surface usually requires high temperatures, say as in cavitation. Absent high bubble temperatures, cavitation may produce vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light that excites water molecules in the electrode film to higher H(2)O(*) energy states, the excited states oxidizing the electrode surface by chemical reaction. Solutions of the Rayleigh-Plesset equation during bubble collapse that include the condensation of water vapor show any increase in temperature or pressure of the water vapor by compression heating is compensated by the condensation of vapor to the bubble wall, the bubbles collapsing almost isothermally. Hence, the cavitation induced Becquerel effect is likely caused by cavitation induced VUV light at ambient temperature.

  15. A set-up for a biased electrode experiment in ADITYA Tokamak

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dhyani, Pravesh; Ghosh, Joydeep; Sathyanarayana, K.; Praveenlal, V. E.; Gautam, Pramila; Shah, Minsha; Tanna, R. L.; Kumar, Pintu; Chavda, C.; Patel, N. C.; Panchal, V.; Gupta, C. N.; Jadeja, K. A.; Bhatt, S. B.; Kumar, S.; Raju, D.; Atrey, P. K.; Joisa, S.; Chattopadhyay, P. K.; Saxena, Y. C.

    2014-10-01

    An experimental set-up to investigate the effect of a biased electrode introduced in the edge region on ADITYA tokamak discharges is presented. A specially designed double-bellow mechanical assembly is fabricated for controlling the electrode location as well as its exposed length inside the plasma. The cylindrical molybdenum electrode is powered by a capacitor-bank based pulsed power supply (PPS) using a semiconductor controlled rectifier (SCR) as a switch with forced commutation. A Langmuir probe array for radial profile measurements of plasma potential and density is fabricated and installed. Standard results of improvement of global confinement have been obtained using a biased electrode. In addition to that, in this paper we show for the first time that the same biasing system can be used to avoid disruptions through stabilisation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modes. Real time disruption control experiments have also been carried out by triggering the bias-voltage on the electrode automatically when the Mirnov probe signal exceeds a preset threshold value using a uniquely designed electronic comparator circuit. Most of the results related to the improved confinement and disruption mitigation are obtained in case of the electrode tip being kept at ~3 cm inside the last closed flux surface (LCFS) with an exposed length of ~20 mm in typical discharges of ADITYA tokamak.

  16. Ion source with corner cathode

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Herrero, Federico A. (Inventor); Roman, Patrick A. (Inventor)

    2012-01-01

    An ion source may include first, second, and third electrodes. The first electrode may be a repeller having a V-shaped groove. The second electrode may be an electron emitter filament disposed adjacent the base of the V-shaped groove. The third electrode may be an anode that defines an enclosed volume with an aperture formed therein adjacent the electron emitter filament. A potential of the first electrode may be less than a potential of the second electrode, and the potential of the second electrode may be less than a potential of the third electrode. A fourth electrode that is disposed between the electron emitter filament and the anode may be used to produce a more collimated electron beam.

  17. The improved electrochemical performance of cross-linked 3D graphene nanoribbon monolith electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vineesh, Thazhe Veettil; Alwarappan, Subbiah; Narayanan, Tharangattu N.

    2015-04-01

    Technical advancement in the field of ultra-small sensors and devices demands the development of novel micro- or nano-based architectures. Here we report the design and assembly of cross-linked three dimensional graphene nanoribbons (3D GNRs) using solution based covalent binding of individual 2D GNRs and demonstrate its electrochemical application as a 3D electrode. The enhanced performance of 3D GNRs over individual 2D GNRs is established using standard redox probes - [Ru(NH3)6]3+/2+, [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- and important bio-analytes - dopamine and ascorbic acid. 3D GNRs are found to have high double layer capacitance (2482 μF cm-2) and faster electron transfer kinetics; their exceptional electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction is indicative of their potential over a wide range of electrochemical applications. Moreover, this study opens a new platform for the design of novel point-of-care devices and electrodes for energy devices.Technical advancement in the field of ultra-small sensors and devices demands the development of novel micro- or nano-based architectures. Here we report the design and assembly of cross-linked three dimensional graphene nanoribbons (3D GNRs) using solution based covalent binding of individual 2D GNRs and demonstrate its electrochemical application as a 3D electrode. The enhanced performance of 3D GNRs over individual 2D GNRs is established using standard redox probes - [Ru(NH3)6]3+/2+, [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- and important bio-analytes - dopamine and ascorbic acid. 3D GNRs are found to have high double layer capacitance (2482 μF cm-2) and faster electron transfer kinetics; their exceptional electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction is indicative of their potential over a wide range of electrochemical applications. Moreover, this study opens a new platform for the design of novel point-of-care devices and electrodes for energy devices. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr07315k

  18. Optimizing the design of bipolar nerve cuff electrodes for improved recording of peripheral nerve activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sabetian, Parisa; Popovic, Milos R.; Yoo, Paul B.

    2017-06-01

    Objective. Differential measurement of efferent and afferent peripheral nerve activity offers a promising means of improving the clinical utility of implantable neuroprostheses. The tripolar nerve cuff electrode has historically served as the gold standard for achieving high signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of the recordings. However, the symmetrical geometry of this electrode array (i.e. electrically-shorted side contacts) precludes it from measuring electrical signals that can be used to obtain directional information. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using a bipolar nerve cuff electrode to achieve high-SNR of peripheral nerve activity. Approach. A finite element model was implemented to investigate the effects of electrode design parameters—electrode length, electrode edge length (EEL), and a conductive shielding layer (CSL)—on simulated single fiber action potentials (SFAP) and also artifact noise signals (ANS). Main results. Our model revealed that the EEL was particularly effective in increasing the peak-to-peak amplitude of the SFAP (319%) and reducing the common mode ANS (67%) of the bipolar cuff electrode. By adding a CSL to the bipolar cuff electrode, the SNR was found to be 65.2% greater than that of a conventional tripolar cuff electrode. In vivo experiments in anesthetized rats confirmed that a bipolar cuff electrode can achieve a SNR that is 38% greater than that achieved by a conventional tripolar cuff electrode (p  <  0.05). Significance. The current study showed that bipolar nerve cuff electrodes can be designed to achieve SNR levels that are comparable to that of tripolar configuration. Further work is needed to confirm that these bipolar design parameters can be used to record bi-directional neural activity in a physiological setting.

  19. Optimizing the design of bipolar nerve cuff electrodes for improved recording of peripheral nerve activity.

    PubMed

    Sabetian, Parisa; Popovic, Milos R; Yoo, Paul B

    2017-06-01

    Differential measurement of efferent and afferent peripheral nerve activity offers a promising means of improving the clinical utility of implantable neuroprostheses. The tripolar nerve cuff electrode has historically served as the gold standard for achieving high signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of the recordings. However, the symmetrical geometry of this electrode array (i.e. electrically-shorted side contacts) precludes it from measuring electrical signals that can be used to obtain directional information. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using a bipolar nerve cuff electrode to achieve high-SNR of peripheral nerve activity. A finite element model was implemented to investigate the effects of electrode design parameters-electrode length, electrode edge length (EEL), and a conductive shielding layer (CSL)-on simulated single fiber action potentials (SFAP) and also artifact noise signals (ANS). Our model revealed that the EEL was particularly effective in increasing the peak-to-peak amplitude of the SFAP (319%) and reducing the common mode ANS (67%) of the bipolar cuff electrode. By adding a CSL to the bipolar cuff electrode, the SNR was found to be 65.2% greater than that of a conventional tripolar cuff electrode. In vivo experiments in anesthetized rats confirmed that a bipolar cuff electrode can achieve a SNR that is 38% greater than that achieved by a conventional tripolar cuff electrode (p  <  0.05). The current study showed that bipolar nerve cuff electrodes can be designed to achieve SNR levels that are comparable to that of tripolar configuration. Further work is needed to confirm that these bipolar design parameters can be used to record bi-directional neural activity in a physiological setting.

  20. Cavitation induced Becquerel effect.

    PubMed

    Prevenslik, T V

    2003-06-01

    The observation of an electrical current upon the ultraviolet (UV) illumination of one of a pair of identical electrodes in liquid water, called the Becquerel effect, was made over 150 years ago. More recently, an electrical current was found if the water surrounding one electrode was made to cavitate by focused acoustic radiation, the phenomenon called the cavitation induced Becquerel effect. Since cavitation is known to produce UV light, the electrode may simply absorb the UV light and produce the current by the photo-emission theory of photoelectrochemistry. But the current was found to be semi-logarithmic with the standard electrode potential which is characteristic of the oxidation of the electrode surface in the photo-decomposition theory, and not the photo-emission theory. High bubble collapse temperatures may oxidize the electrode, but this is unlikely because melting was not observed on the electrode surfaces. At ambient temperature, oxidation may proceed by chemical reaction provided a source of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation is available to produce the excited OH* states of water to react with the electrode. The source of VUV radiation is shown to be the spontaneous emission of coherent infrared (IR) radiation from water molecules in particles that form in bubbles because of surface tension, the spontaneous IR emission induced by cavity quantum electrodynamics. The excited OH* states are produced as the IR radiation accumulates to VUV levels in the bubble wall molecules.

  1. Textile electrode characterization: dependencies in the skin-clothing-electrode interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Macías, R.; Fernández, M.; Bragós, R.

    2013-04-01

    Given the advances in the technology known as smart textiles, the use of textile electrodes is more and more common. However this kind of electrodes presents some differences regarding the standard ones as the Ag-AgCl electrodes. Therefore to characterize them as best as possible is required. In order to make the characterization reproducible and repetitive, a skin dummy made of agar-agar and a standardized measurement set-up is used in this article. Thus, some dependencies in the skin-electrode interface are described. These dependencies are related to the surface of the textile electrode, the conductive material and the applied pressure. Furthermore, the dependencies on clothing in the skin-textile electrode interface are also analyzed. Thus, based on some parameters such as textile material, width and number of layers, the behavior of the interface made up by the skin, the textile electrode and clothing is depicted.

  2. The entropy and Gibbs free energy of formation of the aluminum ion

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hemingway, B.S.; Robie, R.A.

    1977-01-01

    A reevaluation of the entropy and Gibbs free energy of formation of Al3+(aq) yields -308 ?? 15 J/K??mol and 489.4 ?? 1.4kj/mol for S0298 and ??G0f{hook},298 respectively. The standard electrode potential for aluminum is 1.691 ?? 0.005 volts. ?? 1977.

  3. The Reaction between Iron(II) Iodide and Potassium Dichromate(VI) in Acidified Aqueous Solution

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Talbot, Christopher

    2013-01-01

    This "Science note" teaching lesson explores the possible reaction between the ions in a reaction mixture consisting of iron(II) iodide and potassium dichromate(VI) in acidified aqueous solution. The electrode potentials will be used to deduce any spontaneous reactions under standard thermodynamic conditions (298 K, 1 bar (approximately…

  4. Multicentre investigation on electrically evoked compound action potential and stapedius reflex: how do these objective measures relate to implant programming parameters?

    PubMed

    Van Den Abbeele, Thierry; Noël-Petroff, Nathalie; Akin, Istemihan; Caner, Gül; Olgun, Levent; Guiraud, Jeanne; Truy, Eric; Attias, Josef; Raveh, Eyal; Belgin, Erol; Sennaroglu, Gonca; Basta, Dietmar; Ernst, Arneborg; Martini, Alessandro; Rosignoli, Monica; Levi, Haya; Elidan, Joseph; Benghalem, Abdelhamid; Amstutz-Montadert, Isabelle; Lerosey, Yannick; De Vel, Eddy; Dhooge, Ingeborg; Hildesheimer, Minka; Kronenberg, Jona; Arnold, Laure

    2012-02-01

    The aims of this study were to collect data on electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) and electrically evoked stapedius reflex thresholds (eSRT) in HiResolution(TM) cochlear implant (CI) users, and to explore the relationships between these objective measures and behavioural measures of comfort levels (M-levels). A prospective study on newly implanted subjects was designed. The eCAP was measured intra-operatively and at first fitting through neural response imaging (NRI), using the SoundWave(TM) fitting software. The eSRT was measured intra-operatively by visual monitoring of the stapes, using both single-electrode stimulation and speech bursts (four electrodes stimulated at the same time). Measures of M-levels were performed according to standard clinical practice and collected at first fitting, 3 and 6 months of CI use. One hundred seventeen subjects from 14 centres, all implanted unilaterally with a HiResolution CII Bionic Ear(®) or HiRes 90K(®), were included in the study. Speech burst stimulation elicited a significantly higher eSRT success rate than single-electrode stimulation, 84 vs. 64% respectively. The NRI success rate was 81% intra-operatively, significantly increasing to 96% after 6 months. Fitting guidelines were defined on the basis of a single NRI measurement. Correlations, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis were applied to generate a predictive model for the M-levels. Useful insights were produced into the behaviour of objective measures according to time, electrode location, and fitting parameters. They may usefully assist in programming the CI when no reliable feedback is obtained through standard behavioural procedures.

  5. Stripping Voltammetry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lovrić, Milivoj

    Electrochemical stripping means the oxidative or reductive removal of atoms, ions, or compounds from an electrode surface (or from the electrode body, as in the case of liquid mercury electrodes with dissolved metals) [1-5]. In general, these atoms, ions, or compounds have been preliminarily immobilized on the surface of an inert electrode (or within it) as the result of a preconcentration step, while the products of the electrochemical stripping will dissolve in the electrolytic solution. Often the product of the electrochemical stripping is identical to the analyte before the preconcentration. However, there are exemptions to these rules. Electroanalytical stripping methods comprise two steps: first, the accumulation of a dissolved analyte onto, or in, the working electrode, and, second, the subsequent stripping of the accumulated substance by a voltammetric [3, 5], potentiometric [6, 7], or coulometric [8] technique. In stripping voltammetry, the condition is that there are two independent linear relationships: the first one between the activity of accumulated substance and the concentration of analyte in the sample, and the second between the maximum stripping current and the accumulated substance activity. Hence, a cumulative linear relationship between the maximum response and the analyte concentration exists. However, the electrode capacity for the analyte accumulation is limited and the condition of linearity is satisfied only well below the electrode saturation. For this reason, stripping voltammetry is used mainly in trace analysis. The limit of detection depends on the factor of proportionality between the activity of the accumulated substance and the bulk concentration of the analyte. This factor is a constant in the case of a chemical accumulation, but for electrochemical accumulation it depends on the electrode potential. The factor of proportionality between the maximum stripping current and the analyte concentration is rarely known exactly. In fact, it is frequently ignored. For the analysis it suffices to establish the linear relationship empirically. The slope of this relationship may vary from one sample to another because of different influences of the matrix. In this case the concentration of the analyte is determined by the method of standard additions [1]. After measuring the response of the sample, the concentration of the analyte is deliberately increased by adding a certain volume of its standard solution. The response is measured again, and this procedure is repeated three or four times. The unknown concentration is determined by extrapolation of the regression line to the concentration axis [9]. However, in many analytical methods, the final measurement is performed in a standard matrix that allows the construction of a calibration plot. Still, the slope of this plot depends on the active area of the working electrode surface. Each solid electrode needs a separate calibration plot, and that plot must be checked from time to time because of possible deterioration of the electrode surface [2].

  6. Nanomolar Trace Metal Analysis of Copper at Gold Microband Arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wahl, A.; Dawson, K.; Sassiat, N.; Quinn, A. J.; O'Riordan, A.

    2011-08-01

    This paper describes the fabrication and electrochemical characterization of gold microband electrode arrays designated as a highly sensitive sensor for trace metal detection of copper in drinking water samples. Gold microband electrodes have been routinely fabricated by standard photolithographic methods. Electrochemical characterization were conducted in 0.1 M H2SO4 and found to display characteristic gold oxide formation and reduction peaks. The advantages of gold microband electrodes as trace metal sensors over currently used methods have been investigated by employing under potential deposition anodic stripping voltammetry (UPD-ASV) in Cu2+ nanomolar concentrations. Linear correlations were observed for increasing Cu2+ concentrations from which the concentration of an unknown sample of drinking water was estimated. The results obtained for the estimation of the unknown trace copper concentration in drinking was in good agreement with expected values.

  7. Radiofrequency ablation of chondroblastoma using a multi-tined expandable electrode system: initial results.

    PubMed

    Tins, Bernhard; Cassar-Pullicino, Victor; McCall, Iain; Cool, Paul; Williams, David; Mangham, David

    2006-04-01

    The standard treatment for chondroblastoma is surgery, which can be difficult and disabling due to its apo- or epiphyseal location. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation potentially offers a minimally invasive alternative. The often large size of chondroblastomas can make treatment with plain electrode systems difficult or impossible. This article describes the preliminary experience of RF treatment of chondroblastomas with a multi-tined expandable RF electrode system. Four cases of CT guided RF treatment are described. The tumour was successfully treated in all cases. In two cases, complications occurred; infraction of a subarticular chondroblastoma in one case and cartilage and bone damage in the unaffected compartment of a knee joint in the other. Radiofrequency treatment near a joint surface threatens the integrity of cartilage and therefore long-term joint function. In weight-bearing areas, the lack of bone replacement in successfully treated lesions contributes to the risk of mechanical failure. Multi-tined expandable electrode systems allow the treatment of large chondroblastomas. In weight-bearing joints and lesions near to the articular cartilage, there is a risk of cartilage damage and mechanical weakening of the bone. In lesions without these caveats, RF ablation appears promising. The potential risks and benefits need to be evaluated for each case individually.

  8. Influence of Intracranial Electrode Density and Spatial Configuration on Interictal Spike Localization: A Case Study.

    PubMed

    Lie, Octavian V; Papanastassiou, Alexander M; Cavazos, José E; Szabó, Ákos C

    2015-10-01

    Poor seizure outcomes after epilepsy surgery often reflect an incorrect localization of the epileptic sources by standard intracranial EEG interpretation because of limited electrode coverage of the epileptogenic zone. This study investigates whether, in such conditions, source modeling is able to provide more accurate source localization than the standard clinical method that can be used prospectively to improve surgical resection planning. Suboptimal epileptogenic zone sampling is simulated by subsets of the electrode configuration used to record intracranial EEG in a patient rendered seizure free after surgery. sLORETA and the clinical method solutions are applied to interictal spikes sampled with these electrode subsets and are compared for colocalization with the resection volume and displacement due to electrode downsampling. sLORETA provides often congruent and at times more accurate source localization when compared with the standard clinical method. However, with electrode downsampling, individual sLORETA solution locations can vary considerably and shift consistently toward the remaining electrodes. sLORETA application can improve source localization based on the clinical method but does not reliably compensate for suboptimal electrode placement. Incorporating sLORETA solutions based on intracranial EEG in surgical planning should proceed cautiously in cases where electrode repositioning is planned on clinical grounds.

  9. Electrochemical disinfection of coliform and Escherichia coli for drinking water treatment by electrolysis method using carbon as an electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Riyanto; Agustiningsih, W. A.

    2018-04-01

    Disinfection of coliform and E. Coli in water has been performed by electrolysis using carbon electrodes. Carbon electrodes were used as an anode and cathode with a purity of 98.31% based on SEM-EDS analysis. This study was conducted using electrolysis powered by electric field using carbon electrode as the anode and cathode. Electrolysis method was carried out using variations of time (30, 60, 90, 120 minutes at a voltage of 5 V) and voltage (5, 10, 15, 20 V for 30 minutes) to determine the effect of the disinfection of the bacteria. The results showed the number of coliform and E. coli in water before and after electrolysis was 190 and 22 MPN/100 mL, respectively. The standards quality of drinking water No. 492/Menkes/Per/IV/2010 requires the zero content of coliform and E. Coli. Electrolysis with the variation of time and potential can reduce the number of coliforms and E. Coli but was not in accordance with the standards. The effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to the electrochemical disinfection was determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The levels of H2O2 formed increased as soon after the duration of electrolysis voltage but was not a significant influence to the mortality of coliform and E.coli.

  10. Abundance of the multiheme c-type cytochrome OmcB increases in outer biofilm layers of electrode-grown Geobacter sulfurreducens.

    PubMed

    Stephen, Camille S; LaBelle, Edward V; Brantley, Susan L; Bond, Daniel R

    2014-01-01

    When Geobacter sulfurreducens utilizes an electrode as its electron acceptor, cells embed themselves in a conductive biofilm tens of microns thick. While environmental conditions such as pH or redox potential have been shown to change close to the electrode, less is known about the response of G. sulfurreducens to growth in this biofilm environment. To investigate whether respiratory protein abundance varies with distance from the electrode, antibodies against an outer membrane multiheme cytochrome (OmcB) and cytoplasmic acetate kinase (AckA) were used to determine protein localization in slices spanning ∼25 µm-thick G. sulfurreducens biofilms growing on polished electrodes poised at +0.24 V (vs. Standard Hydrogen Electrode). Slices were immunogold labeled post-fixing, imaged via transmission electron microscopy, and digitally reassembled to create continuous images allowing subcellular location and abundance per cell to be quantified across an entire biofilm. OmcB was predominantly localized on cell membranes, and 3.6-fold more OmcB was detected on cells 10-20 µm distant from the electrode surface compared to inner layers (0-10 µm). In contrast, acetate kinase remained constant throughout the biofilm, and was always associated with the cell interior. This method for detecting proteins in intact conductive biofilms supports a model where the utilization of redox proteins changes with depth.

  11. Defibrillation efficacy of different electrode placements in a human thorax model.

    PubMed

    de Jongh, A L; Entcheva, E G; Replogle, J A; Booker, R S; Kenknight, B H; Claydon, F J

    1999-01-01

    The objective of this study was to measure the defibrillation threshold (DFT) associated with different electrode placements using a three-dimensional anatomically realistic finite element model of the human thorax. Coil electrodes (Endotak DSP, model 125, Guidant/CPI) were placed in the RV apex along the lateral wall (RV), withdrawn 10 mm away from the RV apex along the lateral wall (RVprox), in the RV apex along the anterior septum (RVseptal), and in the SVC. An active pulse generator (can) was placed in the subcutaneous prepectoral space. Five electrode configurations were studied: RV-->SVC, RVprox-->SVC, RVSEPTAL-->SVC, RV-->Can, and RV-->SVC + Can. DFTs are defined as the energy required to produce a potential gradient of at least 5 V/cm in 95% of the ventricular myocardium. DFTs for RV-->SVC, RVprox-->SVC, RVseptal-->SVC, RV-->Can, and RV-->SVC + Can were 10, 16, 7, 9, and 6 J, respectively. The DFTs measured at each configuration fell within one standard deviation of the mean DFTs reported in clinical studies using the Endotak leads. The relative changes in DFT among electrode configurations also compared favorably. This computer model allows measurements of DFT or other defibrillation parameters with several different electrode configurations saving time and cost of clinical studies.

  12. On the application of ionic liquids for rechargeable Li batteries: High voltage systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Borgel, V.; Markevich, E.; Aurbach, D.; Semrau, G.; Schmidt, M.

    We examined the possible use of the following ionic liquids all having the same anion, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (TFSI) and the following cations: 1-hexyl-3-methyl imidazolium (HMITFSI), 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-3-methyl imidazolium (MEMITFSI), N-ethyl- NN-dimethyl-2-methoxyethylammonium (EDMETFSI), 1-methyl-1-butylpyrrolidinium (BMPTFSI), and 1-methyl-1-propylpiperidinium (MPPpTFSI) solutions with LiTFSI (the source of Li ions), as electrolyte systems for 5 V, rechargeable battery systems with Li metal anodes and LiMn 1.5Ni 0.5O 4 spinel cathodes. Standard solution based on alkyl carbonates and LiPF 6 was examined in this respect for comparison. The ionic liquids (ILs) based on derivatives of piperidinium and pyrrolidinium demonstrate a very wide electrochemical window (up to 5.5 V) and they can be compatible with lithium metal anodes. At low potentials in the presence of Li ions in solutions (or on Li metal surfaces), TFSI anions are reduced to insoluble Li compounds which passivate Li, noble metal and graphite electrodes in the Li salt/IL solutions. The mechanism, kinetics and effectiveness of electrodes' passivation in these systems depend on the nature of both IL and electrode used. It was possible to demonstrate reversible behavior of Li/LiMn 1.5Ni 0.5O 4 cells (4.8 V) with solutions based on BMPTFSI and MPPpTFSI. Possible parasitic anodic reactions upon charging at the high potentials are much lower in the ILs than in standard solutions.

  13. Electrochemistry of moexipril: experimental and computational approach and voltammetric determination.

    PubMed

    Taşdemir, Hüdai I; Kiliç, E

    2014-09-01

    The electrochemistry of moexipril (MOE) was studied by electrochemical methods with theoretical calculations performed at B3LYP/6-31 + G (d)//AM1. Cyclic voltammetric studies were carried out based on a reversible and adsorption-controlled reduction peak at -1.35 V on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). Concurrently irreversible diffusion-controlled oxidation peak at 1.15 V on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was also employed. Potential values are according to Ag/AgCI, (3.0 M KCI) and measurements were performed in Britton-Robinson buffer of pH 5.5. Tentative electrode mechanisms were proposed according to experimental results and ab-initio calculations. Square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric methods have been developed and validated for quantification of MOE in pharmaceutical preparations. Linear working range was established as 0.03-1.35 microM for HMDE and 0.2-20.0 microM for GCE. Limit of quantification (LOQ) was calculated to be 0.032 and 0.47 microM for HMDE and GCE, respectively. Methods were successfully applied to assay the drug in tablets by calibration and standard addition methods with good recoveries between 97.1% and 106.2% having relative standard deviation less than 10%.

  14. Surgical implications of perimodiolar cochlear implant electrode design: avoiding intracochlear damage and scala vestibuli insertion.

    PubMed

    Briggs, R J; Tykocinski, M; Saunders, E; Hellier, W; Dahm, M; Pyman, B; Clark, G M

    2001-09-01

    To review the mechanisms and nature of intracochlear damage associated with cochlear implant electrode array insertion, in particular, the various perimodiolar electrode designs. Make recommendations regarding surgical techniques for the Nucleus Contour electrode to ensure correct position and minimal insertion trauma. The potential advantages of increased modiolar proximity of intracochlear multichannel electrode arrays are a reduction in stimulation thresholds, an increase in dynamic range and more localized neural excitation. This may improve speech perception and reduce power consumption. These advantages may be negated if increased intracochlear damage results from the method used to position the electrodes close to the modiolus. A review of the University of Melbourne Department of Otolaryngology experience with temporal bone safety studies using the Nucleus standard straight electrode array and a variety of perimodiolar electrode array designs; comparison with temporal bone insertion studies from other centres and postmortem histopathology studies reported in the literature. Review of our initial clinical experience using the Nucleus Contour electrode array. The nature of intracochlear damage resulting from electrode insertion trauma ranges from minor, localized, spiral ligament tear to diffuse organ of Corti disruption and osseous spiral lamina fracture. The type of damage depends on the mechanical characteristics of the electrode array, the stiffness, curvature and size of the electrode in relation to the scala, and the surgical technique. The narrow, flexible, straight arrays are the least traumatic. Pre-curved or stiffer arrays are associated with an incidence of basilar membrane perforation. The cochleostomy must be correctly sited in relation to the round window to ensure scala tympani insertion. A cochleostomy anterior to the round window rather than inferior may lead to scala media or scala vestibuli insertion. Proximity of electrodes to the modiolus can be achieved without intracochlear damage provided the electrode array is a free fit within the scala, of appropriate size and shape, and accurate scala tympani insertion is performed.

  15. A new bioimpedance research device (BIRD) for measuring the electrical impedance of acupuncture meridians.

    PubMed

    Wong, Felix Wu Shun; Lim, Chi Eung Danforn; Smith, Warren

    2010-03-01

    The aim of this article is to introduce an electrical bioimpedance device that uses an old and little-known impedance measuring technique to study the impedance of the meridian and nonmeridian tissue segments. Three (3) pilot experimental studies involving both a tissue phantom (a cucumber) and 3 human subjects were performed using this BIRD-I (Bioimpedance Research Device) device. This device consists of a Fluke RCL meter, a multiplexer box, a laptop computer, and a medical-grade isolation transformer. Segment and surface sheath (or local) impedances were estimated using formulae first published in the 1930s, in an approach that differs from that of the standard four-electrode technique used in most meridian studies to date. Our study found that, when using a quasilinear four-electrode arrangement, the reference electrodes should be positioned at least 10 cm from the test electrodes to ensure that the segment (or core) impedance estimation is not affected by the proximity of the reference electrodes. A tissue phantom was used to determine the repeatability of segment (core) impedance measurement by the device. An applied frequency of 100 kHz was found to produce the best repeatability among the various frequencies tested. In another preliminary study, with a segment of the triple energizer meridian on the lower arm selected as reference segment, core resistance-based profiles around the lower arm showed three of the other five meridians to exist as local resistance minima relative to neighboring nonmeridian segments. The profiles of the 2 subjects tested were very similar, suggesting that the results are unlikely to be spurious. In electrical bioimpedance studies, it is recommended that the measuring technique and device be clearly defined and standardized to provide optimal working conditions. In our study using the BIRD I device, we defined our standard experimental conditions as a test frequency of 100 kHz and the position of the reference electrodes of at least 10 cm from the test electrodes. Our device has demonstrated potential for use in quantifying the degree of electrical interconnection between any two surface-defined test meridian or nonmeridian segments. Issues arising from use of this device and the measurement Horton and van Ravenswaay technique were also presented.

  16. Voltammetric analysis apparatus and method

    DOEpatents

    Almon, A.C.

    1993-06-08

    An apparatus and method is described for electrochemical analysis of elements in solution. An auxiliary electrode, a reference electrode, and five working electrodes are positioned in a container containing a sample solution. The working electrodes are spaced apart evenly from each other and the auxiliary electrode to minimize any inter-electrode interference that may occur during analysis. An electric potential is applied between the auxiliary electrode and each of the working electrodes. Simultaneous measurements taken of the current flow through each of the working electrodes for each given potential in a potential range are used for identifying chemical elements present in the sample solution and their respective concentrations. Multiple working electrodes enable a more positive identification to be made by providing unique data characteristic of chemical elements present in the sample solution.

  17. Effects of adsorbed pyridine derivatives and ultrathin atomic-layer-deposited alumina coatings on the conduction band-edge energy of TiO2 and on redox-shuttle-derived dark currents.

    PubMed

    Katz, Michael J; Vermeer, Michael J D; Farha, Omar K; Pellin, Michael J; Hupp, Joseph T

    2013-01-15

    Both the adsorption of t-butylpyridine and the atomic-layer deposition of ultrathin conformal coatings of insulators (such as alumina) are known to boost open-circuit photovoltages substantially for dye-sensitized solar cells. One attractive interpretation is that these modifiers significantly shift the conduction-edge energy of the electrode, thereby shifting the onset potential for dark current arising from the interception of injected electrons by solution-phase redox shuttle components such as Co(phenanthroline)(3)(3+) and triiodide. For standard, high-area, nanoporous photoelectrodes, band-edge energies are difficult to measure directly. In contrast, for flat electrodes they are readily accessible from Mott-Schottky analyses of impedance data. Using such electrodes (specifically TiO(2)), we find that neither organic nor inorganic electrode-surface modifiers shift the conduction-band-edge energy sufficiently to account fully for the beneficial effects on electrode behavior (i.e., the suppression of dark current). Additional experiments reveal that the efficacy of ultrathin coatings of Al(2)O(3) arises chiefly from the passivation of redox-catalytic surface states. In contrast, adsorbed t-butylpyridine appears to suppress dark currents mainly by physically blocking access of shuttle molecules to the electrode surface. Studies with other derivatives of pyridine, including sterically and/or electronically diverse derivatives, show that heterocycle adsorption and the concomitant suppression of dark current does not require the coordination of surface Ti(IV) or Al(III) atoms. Notably, the favorable (i.e., negative) shifts in onset potential for the flow of dark current engendered by organic and inorganic surface modifiers are additive. Furthermore, they appear to be largely insensitive to the identity of shuttle molecules.

  18. Electrode Reactions in Slowly Relaxing Media

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Matyushov, Dmitry V.; Newton, Marshall D.

    Here, standard models of reaction kinetics in condensed materials rely on the Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution for the population of reactants at the top of the free energy barrier separating them from the products. While energy dissipation and quantum effects at the barrier top can potentially affect the transmission coefficient entering the rate preexponential factor, much stronger dynamical effects on the reaction barrier are caused by the breakdown of ergodicity for populating the reaction barrier (violation of the Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics). When the spectrum of medium modes coupled to the reaction coordinate includes fluctuations slower than the reaction rate, such nuclear motions dynamicallymore » freeze on the reaction time-scale and do not contribute to the activation barrier. In this paper, we consider the consequences of this scenario for electrode reactions in slowly relaxing media. Changing electrode overpotential speeds electrode electron transfer up, potentially cutting through the spectrum of nuclear modes coupled to the reaction coordinate. The reorganization energy of electrochemical electron transfer becomes a function of the electrode overpotential, switching between the thermodynamic value at low rates to the nonergodic limit at higher rates. The sharpness of this transition depends of the relaxation spectrum of the medium. The reorganization energy experiences a sudden drop with increasing overpotential for a medium with a Debye relaxation, but becomes a much shallower function of the overpotential for media with stretched exponential dynamics. The latter scenario characterizes electron transfer in ionic liquids. The analysis of electrode reactions in room-temperature ionic liquids shows that the magnitude of the free energy of nuclear solvation is significantly below its thermodynamic limit. Finally, this result applies to reaction times faster than microseconds and is currently limited by the available dielectric relaxation data.« less

  19. Electrode Reactions in Slowly Relaxing Media

    DOE PAGES

    Matyushov, Dmitry V.; Newton, Marshall D.

    2017-11-17

    Here, standard models of reaction kinetics in condensed materials rely on the Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution for the population of reactants at the top of the free energy barrier separating them from the products. While energy dissipation and quantum effects at the barrier top can potentially affect the transmission coefficient entering the rate preexponential factor, much stronger dynamical effects on the reaction barrier are caused by the breakdown of ergodicity for populating the reaction barrier (violation of the Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics). When the spectrum of medium modes coupled to the reaction coordinate includes fluctuations slower than the reaction rate, such nuclear motions dynamicallymore » freeze on the reaction time-scale and do not contribute to the activation barrier. In this paper, we consider the consequences of this scenario for electrode reactions in slowly relaxing media. Changing electrode overpotential speeds electrode electron transfer up, potentially cutting through the spectrum of nuclear modes coupled to the reaction coordinate. The reorganization energy of electrochemical electron transfer becomes a function of the electrode overpotential, switching between the thermodynamic value at low rates to the nonergodic limit at higher rates. The sharpness of this transition depends of the relaxation spectrum of the medium. The reorganization energy experiences a sudden drop with increasing overpotential for a medium with a Debye relaxation, but becomes a much shallower function of the overpotential for media with stretched exponential dynamics. The latter scenario characterizes electron transfer in ionic liquids. The analysis of electrode reactions in room-temperature ionic liquids shows that the magnitude of the free energy of nuclear solvation is significantly below its thermodynamic limit. Finally, this result applies to reaction times faster than microseconds and is currently limited by the available dielectric relaxation data.« less

  20. Enhanced electrodes for solid state gas sensors

    DOEpatents

    Garzon, Fernando H.; Brosha, Eric L.

    2001-01-01

    A solid state gas sensor generates an electrical potential between an equilibrium electrode and a second electrode indicative of a gas to be sensed. A solid electrolyte substrate has the second electrode mounted on a first portion of the electrolyte substrate and a composite equilibrium electrode including conterminous transition metal oxide and Pt components mounted on a second portion of the electrolyte substrate. The composite equilibrium electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to generate an electrical potential indicative of the gas that is being sensed. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode is a reference electrode that is exposed to a reference oxygen gas mixture so that the electrical potential is indicative of the oxygen in a gas stream.

  1. Absolute Standard Hydrogen Electrode Potential Measured by Reduction of Aqueous Nanodrops in the Gas Phase

    PubMed Central

    Donald, William A.; Leib, Ryan D.; O'Brien, Jeremy T.; Bush, Matthew F.; Williams, Evan R.

    2008-01-01

    In solution, half-cell potentials are measured relative to those of other half cells, thereby establishing a ladder of thermochemical values that are referenced to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), which is arbitrarily assigned a value of exactly 0 V. Although there has been considerable interest in, and efforts toward, establishing an absolute electrochemical half-cell potential in solution, there is no general consensus regarding the best approach to obtain this value. Here, ion-electron recombination energies resulting from electron capture by gas-phase nanodrops containing individual [M(NH3)6]3+, M = Ru, Co, Os, Cr, and Ir, and Cu2+ ions are obtained from the number of water molecules that are lost from the reduced precursors. These experimental data combined with nanodrop solvation energies estimated from Born theory and solution-phase entropies estimated from limited experimental data provide absolute reduction energies for these redox couples in bulk aqueous solution. A key advantage of this approach is that solvent effects well past two solvent shells, that are difficult to model accurately, are included in these experimental measurements. By evaluating these data relative to known solution-phase reduction potentials, an absolute value for the SHE of 4.2 ± 0.4 V versus a free electron is obtained. Although not achieved here, the uncertainty of this method could potentially be reduced to below 0.1 V, making this an attractive method for establishing an absolute electrochemical scale that bridges solution and gas-phase redox chemistry. PMID:18288835

  2. Current measuring system

    DOEpatents

    Dahl, David A.; Appelhans, Anthony D.; Olson, John E.

    1997-01-01

    A current measuring system comprising a current measuring device having a first electrode at ground potential, and a second electrode; a current source having an offset potential of at least three hundred volts, the current source having an output electrode; and a capacitor having a first electrode electrically connected to the output electrode of the current source and having a second electrode electrically connected to the second electrode of the current measuring device.

  3. Micromachined three-dimensional electrode arrays for transcutaneous nerve tracking

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rajaraman, Swaminathan; Bragg, Julian A.; Ross, James D.; Allen, Mark G.

    2011-08-01

    We report the development of metal transfer micromolded (MTM) three-dimensional microelectrode arrays (3D MEAs) for a transcutaneous nerve tracking application. The measurements of electrode-skin-electrode impedance (ESEI), electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction utilizing these minimally invasive 3D MEAs are demonstrated in this paper. The 3D MEAs used in these measurements consist of a metalized micro-tower array that can penetrate the outer layers of the skin in a painless fashion and are fabricated using MTM technology. Two techniques, an inclined UV lithography approach and a double-side exposure of thick negative tone resist, have been developed to fabricate the 3D MEA master structure. The MEAs themselves are fabricated from the master structure utilizing micromolding techniques. Metal patterns are transferred during the micromolding process, thereby ensuring reduced process steps compared to traditional silicon-based approaches. These 3D MEAs have been packaged utilizing biocompatible Kapton® substrates. ESEI measurements have been carried out on test human subjects with standard commercial wet electrodes as a reference. The 3D MEAs demonstrate an order of magnitude lower ESEI (normalized to area) compared to wet electrodes for an area that is 12.56 times smaller. This compares well with other demonstrated approaches in literature. For a nerve tracking demonstration, we have chosen EMG and nerve conduction measurements on test human subjects. The 3D MEAs show 100% improvement in signal power and SNR/√area as compared to standard electrodes. They also demonstrate larger amplitude signals and faster rise times during nerve conduction measurements. We believe that this microfabrication and packaging approach scales well to large-area, high-density arrays required for applications like nerve tracking. This development will increase the stimulation and recording fidelity of skin surface electrodes, while increasing their spatial resolution by an order of magnitude or more. Although biopotential electrode systems are not without their challenges, the non-invasive access to neural information, along with the potential for automation with associated electronic and software development, is precisely what makes this technology an excellent candidate for the next generation in diagnostic, therapeutic, and prosthetic devices.

  4. Electrode behavior RE-visited: Monitoring potential windows, capacity loss, and impedance changes in Li 1.03 (Ni 0.5Co 0.2Mn 0.3) 0.97O 2/silicon-graphite full cells

    DOE PAGES

    Klett, Matilda; Gilbert, James A.; Trask, Stephen E.; ...

    2016-03-04

    Here, the capacity and power performance of lithium-ion battery cells evolve over time. The mechanisms leading to these changes can often be identified through knowledge of electrode potentials, which contain information about electrochemical processes at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces. In this study we monitor electrode potentials within full cells containing a Li 1.03(Ni 0.5Co 0.2Mn 0.3) 0.97O 2–based (NCM523) positive electrode, a silicon-graphite negative electrode, and an LiPF6-bearing electrolyte, with and without fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) or vinylene carbonate (VC) additives. The electrode potentials are monitored with a Li-metal reference electrode (RE) positioned besides the electrode stack; changes in these potentials aremore » used to examine electrode state-of-charge (SOC) shifts, material utilization, and loss of electrochemically active material. Electrode impedances are obtained with a Li xSn RE located within the stack; the data display the effect of cell voltage and electrode SOC changes on the measured values after formation cycling and after aging. Our measurements confirm the beneficial effect of FEC and VC electrolyte additives in reducing full cell capacity loss and impedance rise after cycling in a 3.0–4.2 V range. Comparisons with data from a full cell containing a graphite-based negative highlight the consequences of including silicon in the electrode. Our observations on electrode potentials, capacity, and impedance changes on cycling are crucial to designing long-lasting, silicon-bearing, lithium-ion cells.« less

  5. Voltametric analysis apparatus and method

    DOEpatents

    Almon, Amy C.

    1993-01-01

    An apparatus and method for electrochemical analysis of elements in solution. An auxiliary electrode 14, a reference electrode 18, and five working electrodes 20, 22, 26, 28, and 30 are positioned in a container 12 containing a sample solution 34. The working electrodes are spaced apart evenly from each other and auxiliary electrode 14 to minimize any inter-electrode interference that may occur during analysis. An electric potential is applied between auxiliary electrode 14 and each of the working electrodes 20, 22, 26, 28, and 30. Simultaneous measurements taken of the current flow through each of the working electrodes for each given potential in a potential range are used for identifying chemical elements present in sample solution 34 and their respective concentrations. Multiple working electrodes enable a more positive identification to be made by providing unique data characteristic of chemical elements present in the sample solution.

  6. Changes in event-related potentials in patients with first-episode schizophrenia and their siblings.

    PubMed

    Yang, Chengqing; Zhang, Tianhong; Li, Zezhi; Heeramun-Aubeeluck, Anisha; Liu, Na; Huang, Nan; Zhang, Jie; He, Leiying; Li, Hui; Tang, Yingying; Chen, Fazhan; Wang, Jijun; Lu, Zheng

    2017-01-17

    This study aimed to explore the characteristics of event-related potentials induced by facial emotion recognition in patients with first-episode schizophrenia and in their siblings. In this case-control study, 30 first-episode schizophrenia patients, 26 siblings, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. They completed facial emotion recognition tasks from the Ekman Standard Faces Database as an induction for evoked potentials. Evoked potential data were obtained using a 64-channel electroencephalography system. Average evoked potential waveforms were computed from epochs for each stimulus type. The amplitudes and latency of the event-related potentials for P100 (positive potential 100 ms after stimulus onset), N170 (negative potential 170 ms after stimulus onset), and N250 (fronto-central peak) were investigated at O1, O2, P7, and P8 electrode locations. There were significant differences between the groups for P100 amplitude (F = 11.526, P < 0.001), electrode position (F = 450.592, P < 0.001), emotion (disgust vs. happiness vs. fear) (F = 1722.467, P < 0.001), and emotion intensity (low vs. moderate vs. high) (F = 1737.169, P < 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed significantly larger amplitudes in the schizophrenia group at the O1, O2, P7, and P8 electrode positions. There were no significant differences between the siblings of schizophrenia patients and the healthy controls. Patients with schizophrenia showed abnormalities in P100 amplitude, but similar results were not observed in their siblings. These results provide evidence of dysfunctional event-related potential patterns underlying facial emotion processing in patients with schizophrenia. P100 may be a characteristic index of schizophrenia.

  7. Current measuring system

    DOEpatents

    Dahl, D.A.; Appelhans, A.D.; Olson, J.E.

    1997-09-09

    A current measuring system is disclosed comprising a current measuring device having a first electrode at ground potential, and a second electrode; a current source having an offset potential of at least three hundred volts, the current source having an output electrode; and a capacitor having a first electrode electrically connected to the output electrode of the current source and having a second electrode electrically connected to the second electrode of the current measuring device. 4 figs.

  8. Theoretical and experimental prediction of the redox potentials of metallocene compounds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Ya-Ping; Liu, Hai-Bo; Liu, Tao; Yu, Zhang-Yu

    2017-11-01

    The standard redox electrode potential ( E°) values of metallocene compounds are obtained theoretically with density functional theory (DFT) method at B3LYP/6-311++G( d, p) level and experimentally with cyclic voltammetry (CV). The theoretical E° values of metallocene compounds are in good agreement with experimental ones. We investigate the substituent effects on the redox properties of metallocene compounds. Among the four metallocene compounds, the E° values is largest for titanocene dichloride and smallest for ferrocene.

  9. Study of superhydrophobic electrosprayed catalyst layers using a localized reference electrode technique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chaparro, A. M.; Ferreira-Aparicio, P.; Folgado, M. A.; Brightman, E.; Hinds, G.

    2016-09-01

    The performance of electrosprayed cathode catalyst layers in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is studied using a localized reference electrode technique. Single cells with an electrosprayed cathode catalyst layer show an increase of >20% in maximum power density under standard testing conditions, compared with identical cells assembled with a conventional, state-of-the-art, gas diffusion cathode. When operated at high current density (1.2 A cm-2) the electrosprayed catalyst layers show more homogeneous distribution of the localized cathode potential, with a standard deviation from inlet to outlet of <50 mV, compared with 79 mV for the conventional gas diffusion cathode. Higher performance and homogeneity of cell response is attributed to the superhydrophobic nature of the macroporous electrosprayed catalyst layer structure, which enhances the rate of expulsion of liquid water from the cathode. On the other hand, at low current densities (<0.5 A cm-2), the electrosprayed layers exhibit more heterogeneous distribution of cathode potential than the conventional cathodes; this behavior is attributed to less favorable kinetics for oxygen reduction in very hydrophobic catalyst layers. The optimum performance may be obtained with electrosprayed catalyst layers employing a high Pt/C catalyst ratio.

  10. Thermodynamic properties of an emerging chemical disinfectant, peracetic acid.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chiqian; Brown, Pamela J B; Hu, Zhiqiang

    2018-04-15

    Peracetic acid (PAA or CH 3 COOOH) is an emerging disinfectant with a low potential to form carcinogenic disinfection by-products (DBPs). Basic thermodynamic properties of PAA are, however, absent or inconsistently reported in the literature. This review aimed to summarize important thermodynamic properties of PAA, including standard Gibbs energy of formation and oxidation-reduction (redox) potential. The standard Gibbs energies of formation of CH 3 COOOH (aq) , CH 3 COOOH (g) , CH 3 COOOH (l) , and CH 3 COOO (aq) - are -299.41kJ·mol -1 , -283.02kJ·mol -1 , -276.10kJ·mol -1 , and -252.60kJ·mol -1 , respectively. The standard redox potentials of PAA are 1.748V and 1.005V vs. standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) at pH 0 and pH 14, respectively. Under biochemical standard state conditions (pH 7, 25°C, 101,325Pa), PAA has a redox potential of 1.385V vs. SHE, higher than many disinfectants. Finally, the environmental implications of the thermodynamic properties of PAA were systematically discussed. Those properties can be used to predict the physicochemical and biological behavior of aquatic systems exposed to PAA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Optical Breast Shape Capture and Finite Element Mesh Generation for Electrical Impedance Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Forsyth, J.; Borsic, A.; Halter, R.J.; Hartov, A.; Paulsen, K.D.

    2011-01-01

    X-Ray mammography is the standard for breast cancer screening. The development of alternative imaging modalities is desirable because Mammograms expose patients to ionizing radiation. Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) may be used to determine tissue conductivity, a property which is an indicator of cancer presence. EIT is also a low-cost imaging solution and does not involve ionizing radiation. In breast EIT, impedance measurements are made using electrodes placed on the surface of the patient’s breast. The complex conductivity of the volume of the breast is estimated by a reconstruction algorithm. EIT reconstruction is a severely ill-posed inverse problem. As a result, noisy instrumentation and incorrect modelling of the electrodes and domain shape produce significant image artefacts. In this paper, we propose a method that has the potential to reduce these errors by accurately modelling the patient breast shape. A 3D hand-held optical scanner is used to acquire the breast geometry and electrode positions. We develop methods for processing the data from the scanner and producing volume meshes accurately matching the breast surface and electrode locations, which can be used for image reconstruction. We demonstrate this method for a plaster breast phantom and a human subject. Using this approach will allow patient-specific finite element meshes to be generated which has the potential to improve the clinical value of EIT for breast cancer diagnosis. PMID:21646711

  12. Luminol-based electrochemiluminescent biosensors for highly sensitive medical diagnosis and rapid antioxidant detection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tamiya, Eiichi; Inoue, Yuki; Saito, Masato

    2018-03-01

    We present a review of luminol-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensors that perform enzymatic reactions and bioanalysis using antioxidant molecules by controlling the spatiotemporal production of a luminescent substrate, catalase activity, and glycated albumin (GA). The ECL intensity depends on the antioxidant capacity because radicals are neutralized by the antioxidants, which suppresses the luminescence. The antioxidant capacities of 22 types beverages were evaluated by comparison with a standard curve of Trolox. The time necessary for the ECL measurement of the antioxidant capacity is only 2 min with screen-printed electrodes and a portable ECL measurement system. Our system was also used to monitor reactive oxygen species released from neutrophils, which play an important role in the immune system, defending against viral and bacterial infections. The quenching of ECL imaging by catalase reaction localized in the multichamber electrode using the electrogenerated substrate was examined as a potential candidate for a sensitive reporting system. The substrate was successfully generated at applied potentials between -1 and -0.4 V in multichamber electrodes and the substrate confinement within the chamber was observed within 60 s of generation. The microchamber electrode system demonstrated a detection limit of 90 fM catalase. We also demonstrated a detection limit of 0.1 µM GA in human serum albumin, which is an improvement of about 70 times over colorimetric methods.

  13. An improved method for direct estimation of free cyanide in drinking water by Ion Chromatography-Pulsed Amperometry Detection (IC-PAD) on gold working electrode.

    PubMed

    Kumar Meher, Alok; Labhsetwar, Nitin; Bansiwal, Amit

    2018-02-01

    In the present work a fast, reliable and safe Ion Exchange Chromatography-Pulsed Amperometry Detection (IC-PAD) method for direct determination of free cyanide in drinking water has been reported. To the best of our knowledge for the first time we are reporting the application of Gold working electrode for detection of free cyanide in a chromatography system. The system shows a wide linear range up to 8000µg/L. The electrode was found to have improved sensitivity and selectivity in the presence of interfering ions. The detection limit of the system was calculated to be 2µg/L. Long term evaluation of the electrode was found to be stable. Reproducible results were obtained from analysis of drinking water samples with recoveries of 98.3-101.2% and Relative Standard Deviations (RSD) of <2%. This study proves the potential application of the newly developed method for the analysis of free cyanide in drinking water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. The sinusoidal probe: a new approach to improve electrode longevity

    PubMed Central

    Sohal, Harbaljit S.; Jackson, Andrew; Jackson, Richard; Clowry, Gavin J.; Vassilevski, Konstantin; O’Neill, Anthony; Baker, Stuart N.

    2014-01-01

    Micromotion between the brain and implanted electrodes is a major contributor to the failure of invasive brain–machine interfaces. Movements of the electrode tip cause recording instabilities while spike amplitudes decline over the weeks/months post-implantation due to glial cell activation caused by sustained mechanical trauma. We have designed a sinusoidal probe in order to reduce movement of the recording tip relative to the surrounding neural tissue. The probe was microfabricated from flexible materials and incorporated a sinusoidal shaft to minimize tethering forces and a 3D spheroid tip to anchor the recording site within the brain. Compared to standard microwire electrodes, the signal-to-noise ratio and local field potential power of sinusoidal probe recordings from rabbits was more stable across recording periods up to 678 days. Histological quantification of microglia and astrocytes showed reduced neuronal tissue damage especially for the tip region between 6 and 24 months post-implantation. We suggest that the micromotion-reducing measures incorporated into our design, at least partially, decreased the magnitude of gliosis, resulting in enhanced longevity of recording. PMID:24808859

  15. Copper-mercury film electrode for cathodic stripping voltammetric determination of Se(IV).

    PubMed

    Sladkov, Vladimir; David, François; Fourest, Blandine

    2003-01-01

    The copper-mercury film electrode has been suggested for the determination of Se(IV) in a wide range of concentration from 1x10(-9) to 1x10(-6) mol L(-1)by square-wave cathodic stripping voltammetry. Insufficient reproducibility and sensitivity of the mercury film electrode have been overcome by using copper(II) ions during the plating procedure. Copper(II) has been found to be reduced and form a reproducible copper-mercury film on a glassy carbon electrode surface. The plating potential and time, the concentration of copper(II) and the concentration of the supporting electrolyte have been optimised. Microscopy has been used for a study of the morphology of the copper-mercury film. It has been found that it is the same as for the mercury one. The preconcentration step consists in electrodeposition of copper selenide on the copper-mercury film. The relative standard deviation is 4.3% for 1x10(-6) mol L(-1) of Se(IV). The limit of detection is 8x10(-10) mol L(-1) for 5 min of accumulation.

  16. Optimized survey design for electrical resistivity tomography: combined optimization of measurement configuration and electrode placement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uhlemann, Sebastian; Wilkinson, Paul B.; Maurer, Hansruedi; Wagner, Florian M.; Johnson, Timothy C.; Chambers, Jonathan E.

    2018-07-01

    Within geoelectrical imaging, the choice of measurement configurations and electrode locations is known to control the image resolution. Previous work has shown that optimized survey designs can provide a model resolution that is superior to standard survey designs. This paper demonstrates a methodology to optimize resolution within a target area, while limiting the number of required electrodes, thereby selecting optimal electrode locations. This is achieved by extending previous work on the `Compare-R' algorithm, which by calculating updates to the resolution matrix optimizes the model resolution in a target area. Here, an additional weighting factor is introduced that allows to preferentially adding measurement configurations that can be acquired on a given set of electrodes. The performance of the optimization is tested on two synthetic examples and verified with a laboratory study. The effect of the weighting factor is investigated using an acquisition layout comprising a single line of electrodes. The results show that an increasing weight decreases the area of improved resolution, but leads to a smaller number of electrode positions. Imaging results superior to a standard survey design were achieved using 56 per cent fewer electrodes. The performance was also tested on a 3-D acquisition grid, where superior resolution within a target at the base of an embankment was achieved using 22 per cent fewer electrodes than a comparable standard survey. The effect of the underlying resistivity distribution on the performance of the optimization was investigated and it was shown that even strong resistivity contrasts only have minor impact. The synthetic results were verified in a laboratory tank experiment, where notable image improvements were achieved. This work shows that optimized surveys can be designed that have a resolution superior to standard survey designs, while requiring significantly fewer electrodes. This methodology thereby provides a means for improving the efficiency of geoelectrical imaging.

  17. Optimized survey design for Electrical Resistivity Tomography: combined optimization of measurement configuration and electrode placement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uhlemann, Sebastian; Wilkinson, Paul B.; Maurer, Hansruedi; Wagner, Florian M.; Johnson, Timothy C.; Chambers, Jonathan E.

    2018-03-01

    Within geoelectrical imaging, the choice of measurement configurations and electrode locations is known to control the image resolution. Previous work has shown that optimized survey designs can provide a model resolution that is superior to standard survey designs. This paper demonstrates a methodology to optimize resolution within a target area, while limiting the number of required electrodes, thereby selecting optimal electrode locations. This is achieved by extending previous work on the `Compare-R' algorithm, which by calculating updates to the resolution matrix optimizes the model resolution in a target area. Here, an additional weighting factor is introduced that allows to preferentially adding measurement configurations that can be acquired on a given set of electrodes. The performance of the optimization is tested on two synthetic examples and verified with a laboratory study. The effect of the weighting factor is investigated using an acquisition layout comprising a single line of electrodes. The results show that an increasing weight decreases the area of improved resolution, but leads to a smaller number of electrode positions. Imaging results superior to a standard survey design were achieved using 56 per cent fewer electrodes. The performance was also tested on a 3D acquisition grid, where superior resolution within a target at the base of an embankment was achieved using 22 per cent fewer electrodes than a comparable standard survey. The effect of the underlying resistivity distribution on the performance of the optimization was investigated and it was shown that even strong resistivity contrasts only have minor impact. The synthetic results were verified in a laboratory tank experiment, where notable image improvements were achieved. This work shows that optimized surveys can be designed that have a resolution superior to standard survey designs, while requiring significantly fewer electrodes. This methodology thereby provides a means for improving the efficiency of geoelectrical imaging.

  18. Interface design for CMOS-integrated Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) biosensors.

    PubMed

    Manickam, Arun; Johnson, Christopher Andrew; Kavusi, Sam; Hassibi, Arjang

    2012-10-29

    Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful electrochemical technique to detect biomolecules. EIS has the potential of carrying out label-free and real-time detection, and in addition, can be easily implemented using electronic integrated circuits (ICs) that are built through standard semiconductor fabrication processes. This paper focuses on the various design and optimization aspects of EIS ICs, particularly the bio-to-semiconductor interface design. We discuss, in detail, considerations such as the choice of the electrode surface in view of IC manufacturing, surface linkers, and development of optimal bio-molecular detection protocols. We also report experimental results, using both macro- and micro-electrodes to demonstrate the design trade-offs and ultimately validate our optimization procedures.

  19. Understanding the Effects of Electrode Formulation on the Mechanical Strength of Composite Electrodes for Flexible Batteries.

    PubMed

    Gaikwad, Abhinav M; Arias, Ana Claudia

    2017-02-22

    Flexible lithium-ion batteries are necessary for powering the next generation of wearable electronic devices. In most designs, the mechanical flexibility of the battery is improved by reducing the thickness of the active layers, which in turn reduces the areal capacity and energy density of the battery. The performance of a battery depends on the electrode composition, and in most flexible batteries, standard electrode formulation is used, which is not suitable for flexing. Even with considerable efforts made toward the development of flexible lithium-ion batteries, the formulation of the electrodes has received very little attention. In this study, we investigate the relation between the electrode formulation and the mechanical strength of the electrodes. Peel and drag tests are used to compare the adhesion and cohesion strength of the electrodes. The strength of an electrode is sensitive to the particle size and the choice of polymeric binder. By optimizing the electrode composition, we were able to fabricate a high areal capacity (∼2 mAh/cm 2 ) flexible lithium-ion battery with conventional metal-based current collectors that shows superior electrochemical and mechanical performance in comparison to that of batteries with standard composition.

  20. Method for linearizing deflection of a MEMS device using binary electrodes and voltage modulation

    DOEpatents

    Horenstein, Mark N [West Roxbury, MA

    2008-06-10

    A micromechanical device comprising one or more electronically movable structure sets comprising for each set a first electrode supported on a substrate and a second electrode supported substantially parallel from said first electrode. Said second electrode is movable with respect to said first electrode whereby an electric potential applied between said first and second electrodes causing said second electrode to move relative to said first electrode a distance X, (X), where X is a nonlinear function of said potential, (V). Means are provided for linearizing the relationship between V and X.

  1. 3D-Ridge Stocked Layers of Nitrogen-Doped Mesoporous Carbon Nanosheets for Ultrasensitive Monitoring of Dopamine Released from PC12 Cells under K+ Stimulation.

    PubMed

    Emran, Mohammed Y; Shenashen, Mohamed A; Morita, Hiromi; El-Safty, Sherif A

    2018-06-06

    3D-ridge nanosheets of N-doped mesoporous carbon (NMCS)-based electrodes are fabricated as ultrasensitive biosensors for in vitro monitoring of dopamine (DA) released from living cells. The large-scale ranges of dense-layered sheets are arranged linearly with a thickness of <10 nm, soft tangled edges, stocked layer arrangements, and tunable mesoporous frameworks with 3D orientations. The intrinsic features of the active interfacial surface of the electrode based on NMCS along with polarized surfaces, dense surface-charged matrices, fast electron transfer, and easy molecular diffusion, are present in the highly active electrode for biosensing applications. The designed electrode based on the NMCS shows high sensitivity and selectivity for DA sensing even in the presence of physiological interference molecules, such as ascorbic acid and/or uric acid, at a low applied potential of 0.25 V versus Ag/AgCl. The large-scale NMCS-based electrode shows low detection limits as low as 10 nmol L -1 , wide linear range up to 0.5 mmol L -1 , long-term stability for more than 15 d (relative standard deviation (RSD)= 5.8%), and a low cytotoxicity with high biocompatibility. The findings demonstrated that the NMCS-based electrode is a reliable modified electrode for ultratrace sensitivity of DA, which is secreted normally from dopaminergic cells (PC12) or under a stimulating agent (K + ). © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. Reagent-less amperometric glucose biosensor based on a graphite rod electrode layer-by-layer modified with 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione and glucose oxidase.

    PubMed

    Kausaite-Minkstimiene, Asta; Simanaityte, Ruta; Ramanaviciene, Almira; Glumbokaite, Laura; Ramanavicius, Arunas

    2017-08-15

    A reagent-less amperometric glucose biosensor operating in not-stirred sample solution was developed. A working electrode of the designed biosensor was based on a graphite rod (GR) electrode, which was modified with 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (PD) and glucose oxidase (GOx). The PD and the GOx were layer-by-layer adsorbed on the GR electrode surface with subsequent drying followed by chemical cross-linking of the adsorbed GOx with glutaraldehyde (GA). Optimal preparation conditions of the working electrode (GR/PD/GOx) were achieved with 12.6μg and 0.24mg loading amount of PD and GOx, respectively and 25min lasting cross-linking of the GOx with GA. A current response to glucose of the GR/PD/GOx electrode was measured at +200mV potential vs Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Maximum current response was registered when the pH of the buffer solution was 6.0. The registered current response to glucose was linear in the concentration range of 0.1-76mmolL -1 (R 2 =0.9985) and a detection limit was 0.025mmolL -1 . The GR/PD/GOx electrode demonstrated good reproducibility and repeatability with the relative standard deviation of 6.2% and 1.8% (at 4.0mmolL -1 of glucose), respectively, high anti-interference ability to uric and ascorbic acids. It was highly selective to glucose and demonstrated good accuracy in the analysis of human serum samples. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Potentiometric determination of ketotifen fumarate in pharmaceutical preparations and urine using carbon paste and PVC membrane selective electrodes.

    PubMed

    Frag, Eman Y Z; Mohamed, Gehad G; Khalil, Mohamed M; Hwehy, Mohammad M A

    2011-01-01

    This study compares between unmodified carbon paste (CPE; the paste has no ion pair) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane selective electrodes that were used in potentiometric determination of ketotifen fumarate (KTF), where sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) was used as titrant. The performance characteristics of these sensors were evaluated according to IUPAC recommendations which reveal a fast, stable, and linear response for KTF over the concentration range of 10(-7) to 10(-2) mol L(-1). The electrodes show Nernstian slope value of 52.51 ± 0.20 and 51.51 ± 0.25 mV decade(-1) for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes at 30°C, respectively. The potential is nearly stable over the pH range 3.0-6.0 and 2.0-7.0 for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes, respectively. Selectivity coefficient values towards different inorganic cations, sugars, and amino acids reflect high selectivity of the prepared electrodes. The electrodes responses at different temperatures were also studied, and long operational lifetime of 12 and 5 weeks for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes, respectively, were found. These are used for determination of ketotifen fumarate using potentiometric titration, calibration, and standard addition methods in pure samples, its pharmaceutical preparations (Zaditen tablets), and biological fluid (urine). The direct potentiometric determination of KTF using the proposed sensors gave recoveries % of 98.97 ± 0.53 and 98.62 ± 0.74 with RSD 1.42 and 0.63% for CPE and PVC membrane selective electrodes, respectively. Validation of the method shows suitability of the proposed sensors for use in quality control assessment of KTF. The obtained results were in a good agreement with those obtained using the reported spectrophotometric method.

  4. Potentiometric Determination of Ketotifen Fumarate in Pharmaceutical Preparations and Urine Using Carbon Paste and PVC Membrane Selective Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Frag, Eman Y. Z.; Mohamed, Gehad G.; Khalil, Mohamed M.; Hwehy, Mohammad M. A.

    2011-01-01

    This study compares between unmodified carbon paste (CPE; the paste has no ion pair) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane selective electrodes that were used in potentiometric determination of ketotifen fumarate (KTF), where sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) was used as titrant. The performance characteristics of these sensors were evaluated according to IUPAC recommendations which reveal a fast, stable, and linear response for KTF over the concentration range of 10−7 to 10−2 mol L−1. The electrodes show Nernstian slope value of 52.51 ± 0.20 and 51.51 ± 0.25 mV decade−1 for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes at 30°C, respectively. The potential is nearly stable over the pH range 3.0–6.0 and 2.0–7.0 for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes, respectively. Selectivity coefficient values towards different inorganic cations, sugars, and amino acids reflect high selectivity of the prepared electrodes. The electrodes responses at different temperatures were also studied, and long operational lifetime of 12 and 5 weeks for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes, respectively, were found. These are used for determination of ketotifen fumarate using potentiometric titration, calibration, and standard addition methods in pure samples, its pharmaceutical preparations (Zaditen tablets), and biological fluid (urine). The direct potentiometric determination of KTF using the proposed sensors gave recoveries % of 98.97 ± 0.53 and 98.62 ± 0.74 with RSD 1.42 and 0.63% for CPE and PVC membrane selective electrodes, respectively. Validation of the method shows suitability of the proposed sensors for use in quality control assessment of KTF. The obtained results were in a good agreement with those obtained using the reported spectrophotometric method. PMID:22013443

  5. Hearing the Sound in the Brain: Influences of Different EEG References.

    PubMed

    Wu, Dan

    2018-01-01

    If the scalp potential signals, the electroencephalogram (EEG), are due to neural "singers" in the brain, how could we listen to them with less distortion? One crucial point is that the data recording on the scalp should be faithful and accurate, thus the choice of reference electrode is a vital factor determining the faithfulness of the data. In this study, music on the scalp derived from data in the brain using three different reference electrodes were compared, including approximate zero reference-reference electrode standardization technique (REST), average reference (AR), and linked mastoids reference (LM). The classic music pieces in waveform format were used as simulated sources inside a head model, and they were forward calculated to scalp as standard potential recordings, i.e., waveform format music from the brain with true zero reference. Then these scalp music was re-referenced into REST, AR, and LM based data, and compared with the original forward data (true zero reference). For real data, the EEG recorded in an orthodontic pain control experiment were utilized for music generation with the three references, and the scale free index (SFI) of these music pieces were compared. The results showed that in the simulation for only one source, different references do not change the music/waveform; for two sources or more, REST provide the most faithful music/waveform to the original ones inside the brain, and the distortions caused by AR and LM were spatial locations of both source and scalp electrode dependent. The brainwave music from the real EEG data showed that REST and AR make the differences of SFI between two states more recognized and found the frontal is the main region that producing the music. In conclusion, REST can reconstruct the true signals approximately, and it can be used to help to listen to the true voice of the neural singers in the brain.

  6. Hearing the Sound in the Brain: Influences of Different EEG References

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Dan

    2018-01-01

    If the scalp potential signals, the electroencephalogram (EEG), are due to neural “singers” in the brain, how could we listen to them with less distortion? One crucial point is that the data recording on the scalp should be faithful and accurate, thus the choice of reference electrode is a vital factor determining the faithfulness of the data. In this study, music on the scalp derived from data in the brain using three different reference electrodes were compared, including approximate zero reference—reference electrode standardization technique (REST), average reference (AR), and linked mastoids reference (LM). The classic music pieces in waveform format were used as simulated sources inside a head model, and they were forward calculated to scalp as standard potential recordings, i.e., waveform format music from the brain with true zero reference. Then these scalp music was re-referenced into REST, AR, and LM based data, and compared with the original forward data (true zero reference). For real data, the EEG recorded in an orthodontic pain control experiment were utilized for music generation with the three references, and the scale free index (SFI) of these music pieces were compared. The results showed that in the simulation for only one source, different references do not change the music/waveform; for two sources or more, REST provide the most faithful music/waveform to the original ones inside the brain, and the distortions caused by AR and LM were spatial locations of both source and scalp electrode dependent. The brainwave music from the real EEG data showed that REST and AR make the differences of SFI between two states more recognized and found the frontal is the main region that producing the music. In conclusion, REST can reconstruct the true signals approximately, and it can be used to help to listen to the true voice of the neural singers in the brain. PMID:29593487

  7. Vertical motion of a charged colloidal particle near an AC polarized electrode with a nonuniform potential distribution: theory and experimental evidence.

    PubMed

    Fagan, Jeffrey A; Sides, Paul J; Prieve, Dennis C

    2004-06-08

    Electroosmotic flow in the vicinity of a colloidal particle suspended over an electrode accounts for observed changes in the average height of the particle when the electrode passes alternating current at 100 Hz. The main findings are (1) electroosmotic flow provides sufficient force to move the particle and (2) a phase shift between the purely electrical force on the particle and the particle's motion provides evidence of an E2 force acting on the particle. The electroosmotic force in this case arises from the boundary condition applied when faradaic reactions occur on the electrode. The presence of a potential-dependent electrode reaction moves the likely distribution of electrical current at the electrode surface toward uniform current density around the particle. In the presence of a particle the uniform current density is associated with a nonuniform potential; thus, the electric field around the particle has a nonzero radial component along the electrode surface, which interacts with unbalanced charge in the diffuse double layer on the electrode to create a flow pattern and impose an electroosmotic-flow-based force on the particle. Numerical solutions are presented for these additional height-dependent forces on the particle as a function of the current distribution on the electrode and for the time-dependent probability density of a charged colloidal particle near a planar electrode with a nonuniform electrical potential boundary condition. The electrical potential distribution on the electrode, combined with a phase difference between the electric field in solution and the electrode potential, can account for the experimentally observed motion of particles in ac electric fields in the frequency range from approximately 10 to 200 Hz.

  8. Characterization of interdigitated electrode piezoelectric fiber composites under high electrical and mechanical loading

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rodgers, John P.; Bent, Aaron A.; Hagood, Nesbitt W.

    1996-05-01

    The primary objective of this work is to develop a standard methodology for characterizing structural actuation systems intended for operation in high electrical and mechanical loading environments. The designed set of tests evaluates the performance of the active materials system under realistic operating conditions. The tests are also used to characterize piezoelectric fiber composites which have been developed as an alternative to monolithic piezoceramic wafers for structural actuation applications. The performance of this actuator system has been improved using an interdigitated electrode pattern, which orients the primary component of the electric field into the plane of the structure, enabling the use of the primary piezoelectric effect along the active fibers. One possible application of this technology is in the integral twist actuation of helicopter rotor blades for higher harmonic control. This application requires actuators which can withstand the harsh rotor blade operating environment. This includes large numbers of electrical and mechanical cycles with considerable centripetal and bending loads. The characterization tests include standard active material tests as well as application-driven tests which evaluate the performance of the actuators during simulated operation. Test results for several actuator configurations are provided, including S2 glass- reinforced and E-glass laminated actuators. The study concludes that the interdigitated electrode piezoelectric fiber composite actuator has great potential for high loading applications.

  9. A three-dimensional meso-macroscopic model for Li-Ion intercalation batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Allu, S.; Kalnaus, S.; Simunovic, S.; ...

    2016-06-09

    Through this study, we present a three-dimensional computational formulation for electrode-electrolyte-electrode system of Li-Ion batteries. The physical consistency between electrical, thermal and chemical equations is enforced at each time increment by driving the residual of the resulting coupled system of nonlinear equations to zero. The formulation utilizes a rigorous volume averaging approach typical of multiphase formulations used in other fields and recently extended to modeling of supercapacitors [1]. Unlike existing battery modeling methods which use segregated solution of conservation equations and idealized geometries, our unified approach can model arbitrary battery and electrode configurations. The consistency of multi-physics solution also allowsmore » for consideration of a wide array of initial conditions and load cases. The formulation accounts for spatio-temporal variations of material and state properties such as electrode/void volume fractions and anisotropic conductivities. The governing differential equations are discretized using the finite element method and solved using a nonlinearly consistent approach that provides robust stability and convergence. The new formulation was validated for standard Li-ion cells and compared against experiments. Finally, its scope and ability to capture spatio-temporal variations of potential and lithium distribution is demonstrated on a prototypical three-dimensional electrode problem.« less

  10. Electrochemistry of hemoglobin entrapped in a Nafion/nano-ZnO film on carbon ionic liquid electrode.

    PubMed

    Sun, Wei; Zhai, ZiQin; Wang, DanDan; Liu, ShuFeng; Jiao, Kui

    2009-02-01

    A stable composite film composed of the ionomer Nafion, the ZnO nanoparticle and the protein hemoglobin was cast on the surface of an ionic liquid modified carbon paste electrode (CILE) to establish a modified electrode denoted as Nafion/nano-ZnO/Hb/CILE. UV-vis and FT-IR spectrum showed that hemoglobin in the film retained its native conformation. The electrochemical behaviors of hemoglobin entrapped in the film were carefully investigated with cyclic voltammetry. A pair of well-defined and quasi-reversible redox voltammetric peaks for Hb Fe(III)/Fe(II) was obtained with the standard potential (E(0)') located at -0.344 V (vs. SCE) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.0), which was attributed to the direct electron transfer of Hb with electrode in the microenvironments of ZnO nanoparticle and ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF(6)). The electrochemical parameters of Hb in the composite film were further carefully calculated with the results of the electron-transfer rate constant (k(s)) as 0.139 s(-1), the charge transfer coefficient (alpha) as 0.413 and the number of electron transferred (n) as 0.95. The Hb modified electrode showed good electrocatalytic ability toward the reduction of trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

  11. A Multi-Channel, Flex-Rigid ECoG Microelectrode Array for Visual Cortical Interfacing

    PubMed Central

    Tolstosheeva, Elena; Gordillo-González, Víctor; Biefeld, Volker; Kempen, Ludger; Mandon, Sunita; Kreiter, Andreas K.; Lang, Walter

    2015-01-01

    High-density electrocortical (ECoG) microelectrode arrays are promising signal-acquisition platforms for brain-computer interfaces envisioned, e.g., as high-performance communication solutions for paralyzed persons. We propose a multi-channel microelectrode array capable of recording ECoG field potentials with high spatial resolution. The proposed array is of a 150 mm2 total recording area; it has 124 circular electrodes (100, 300 and 500 μm in diameter) situated on the edges of concentric hexagons (min. 0.8 mm interdistance) and a skull-facing reference electrode (2.5 mm2 surface area). The array is processed as a free-standing device to enable monolithic integration of a rigid interposer, designed for soldering of fine-pitch SMD-connectors on a minimal assembly area. Electrochemical characterization revealed distinct impedance spectral bands for the 100, 300 and 500 μm-type electrodes, and for the array's own reference. Epidural recordings from the primary visual cortex (V1) of an awake Rhesus macaque showed natural electrophysiological signals and clear responses to standard visual stimulation. The ECoG electrodes of larger surface area recorded signals with greater spectral power in the gamma band, while the skull-facing reference electrode provided higher average gamma power spectral density (γPSD) than the common average referencing technique. PMID:25569757

  12. Corrosion behaviour of high copper dental amalgams.

    PubMed

    Yap, A U J; Ng, B L; Blackwood, D J

    2004-06-01

    This study evaluated the corrosion behaviour of two high copper dental amalgam alloys [Dispersalloy (Dentsply-Caulk) and Tytin (Kerr)] in different electrolytes. Amalgam specimens were prepared, coupled to a copper wire, cemented into glass tubes and polished to a 600-grit finish. A corrosion cell was prepared using a carbon counter-electrode, a standard calomel electrode as the reference and amalgam as the working electrode. The alloys were tested in the following mediums at 37 degrees C: (i) artificial saliva based on Fusayama's solution (FS), (ii) artificial saliva with citric acid adjusted to pH 4.0 (FC) and (iii) 1% sodium chloride solution (SC). Corrosion potentials (E(corr)) and corrosion rates (I(corr)) were determined using potentiostatic and impedance spectroscopy methods. Data was subjected to anova/Scheffe's post hoc test at 0.05 significance level. For both alloys, the corrosion potential in FS was significantly greater than in SC. Corrosion potential of Tytin in FS and SC was also significantly greater than in FC. The corrosion rate of Dispersalloy in FC was significantly greater than in FS and SC. For Tytin, corrosion rate in SC was significantly greater than in FS and FC. Although no significant difference in corrosion potential/rate was observed between the alloys when tested in FS, significant differences were observed when electrochemical testing was carried out in FC and SC. The corrosion behaviour of high copper amalgam alloys are both material and environment dependent. Certain food substances may increase the corrosion of high copper amalgams.

  13. Development of a method for total inorganic arsenic analysis using anodic stripping voltammetry and a Au-coated, diamond thin-film electrode.

    PubMed

    Song, Yang; Swain, Greg M

    2007-03-15

    We demonstrate that a Au-coated, boron-doped, diamond thin-film electrode provides a sensitive, reproducible, and stable response for total inorganic arsenic (As(III) and As(V)) using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). As is preconcentrated with Au on the diamond surface during the deposition step and detected oxidatively during the stripping step. Au deposition was uniform over the electrode surface with a nominal particle size of 23 +/- 5 nm and a particle density of 109 cm-2. The electrode and method were used to measure the As(III) concentration in standard and river water samples. The detection figures of merit were compared with those obtained using conventional Au-coated glassy carbon and Au foil electrodes. The method was also used to determine the As(V) concentration in standard solutions after first being chemically reduced to As(III) with Na2SO3, followed by the normal DPASV determination of As(III). Sharp and symmetric stripping peaks were generally observed for the Au-coated diamond electrode. LODs were 0.005 ppb (S/N = 3) for As(III) and 0.08 ppb (S/N = 3) for As(V) in standard solutions. An As(III) concentration of 0.6 ppb was found in local river water. The relative standard deviation of the As stripping peak current for river water was 1.5% for 10 consecutive measurements and was less than 9.1% over a 10-h period. Excellent electrode response stability was observed even in the presence of up to 5 ppm of added humic acid. In summary, the Au-coated diamond electrode exhibited better performance for total inorganic As analysis than did Au-coated glassy carbon or Au foil electrodes. Clearly, the substrate on which the Au is supported influences the detection figures of merit.

  14. A Multi-Parametric Device with Innovative Solid Electrodes for Long-Term Monitoring of pH, Redox-Potential and Conductivity in a Nuclear Waste Repository

    PubMed Central

    Daoudi, Jordan; Betelu, Stephanie; Tzedakis, Theodore; Bertrand, Johan; Ignatiadis, Ioannis

    2017-01-01

    We present an innovative electrochemical probe for the monitoring of pH, redox potential and conductivity in near-field rocks of deep geological radioactive waste repositories. The probe is composed of a monocrystalline antimony electrode for pH sensing, four AgCl/Ag-based reference or Cl− selective electrodes, one Ag2S/Ag-based reference or S2− selective electrode, as well as four platinum electrodes, a gold electrode and a glassy-carbon electrode for redox potential measurements. Galvanostatic electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy using AgCl/Ag-based and platinum electrodes measure conductivity. The use of such a multi-parameter probe provides redundant information, based as it is on the simultaneous behaviour under identical conditions of different electrodes of the same material, as well as on that of electrodes made of different materials. This identifies the changes in physical and chemical parameters in a solution, as well as the redox reactions controlling the measured potential, both in the solution and/or at the electrode/solution interface. Understanding the electrochemical behaviour of selected materials thus is a key point of our research, as provides the basis for constructing the abacuses needed for developing robust and reliable field sensors. PMID:28608820

  15. A Multi-Parametric Device with Innovative Solid Electrodes for Long-Term Monitoring of pH, Redox-Potential and Conductivity in a Nuclear Waste Repository.

    PubMed

    Daoudi, Jordan; Betelu, Stephanie; Tzedakis, Theodore; Bertrand, Johan; Ignatiadis, Ioannis

    2017-06-13

    We present an innovative electrochemical probe for the monitoring of pH, redox potential and conductivity in near-field rocks of deep geological radioactive waste repositories. The probe is composed of a monocrystalline antimony electrode for pH sensing, four AgCl/Ag-based reference or Cl - selective electrodes, one Ag₂S/Ag-based reference or S 2- selective electrode, as well as four platinum electrodes, a gold electrode and a glassy-carbon electrode for redox potential measurements. Galvanostatic electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy using AgCl/Ag-based and platinum electrodes measure conductivity. The use of such a multi-parameter probe provides redundant information, based as it is on the simultaneous behaviour under identical conditions of different electrodes of the same material, as well as on that of electrodes made of different materials. This identifies the changes in physical and chemical parameters in a solution, as well as the redox reactions controlling the measured potential, both in the solution and/or at the electrode/solution interface. Understanding the electrochemical behaviour of selected materials thus is a key point of our research, as provides the basis for constructing the abacuses needed for developing robust and reliable field sensors.

  16. Involvement of flocculin in negative potential-applied ITO electrode adhesion of yeast cells

    PubMed Central

    Koyama, Sumihiro; Tsubouchi, Taishi; Usui, Keiko; Uematsu, Katsuyuki; Tame, Akihiro; Nogi, Yuichi; Ohta, Yukari; Hatada, Yuji; Kato, Chiaki; Miwa, Tetsuya; Toyofuku, Takashi; Nagahama, Takehiko; Konishi, Masaaki; Nagano, Yuriko; Abe, Fumiyoshi

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to develop novel methods for attachment and cultivation of specifically positioned single yeast cells on a microelectrode surface with the application of a weak electrical potential. Saccharomyces cerevisiae diploid strains attached to an indium tin oxide/glass (ITO) electrode to which a negative potential between −0.2 and −0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl was applied, while they did not adhere to a gallium-doped zinc oxide/glass electrode surface. The yeast cells attached to the negative potential-applied ITO electrodes showed normal cell proliferation. We found that the flocculin FLO10 gene-disrupted diploid BY4743 mutant strain (flo10Δ /flo10Δ) almost completely lost the ability to adhere to the negative potential-applied ITO electrode. Our results indicate that the mechanisms of diploid BY4743 S. cerevisiae adhesion involve interaction between the negative potential-applied ITO electrode and the Flo10 protein on the cell wall surface. A combination of micropatterning techniques of living single yeast cell on the ITO electrode and omics technologies holds potential of novel, highly parallelized, microchip-based single-cell analysis that will contribute to new screening concepts and applications. PMID:26187908

  17. Conducting polymer electrodes for visual prostheses.

    PubMed

    Green, R A; Devillaine, F; Dodds, C; Matteucci, P; Chen, S; Byrnes-Preston, P; Poole-Warren, L A; Lovell, N H; Suaning, G J

    2010-01-01

    Conducting polymers (CPs) have the potential to provide superior neural interfaces to conventional metal electrodes by introducing more efficient charge transfer across the same geometric area. In this study the conducting polymer poly(ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was coated on platinum (Pt) microelectrode arrays. The in vitro electrical characteristics were assessed during biphasic stimulation regimes applied between electrode pairs. It was demonstrated that PEDOT could reduce the potential excursion at a Pt electrode interface by an order of magnitude. The charge injection limit of PEDOT was found to be 15 x larger than Pt. Additionally, PEDOT coated electrodes were acutely implanted in the suprachoroidal space of a cat retina. It was demonstrated that PEDOT coated electrodes also had lower potential excursions in vivo and electrically evoked potentials (EEPs) could be detected within the vision cortex.

  18. Improvement on the Repair Effect of Electrochemical Chloride Extraction Using a Modified Electrode Configuration

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Wei; Xu, Jinxia; Jiang, Linhua; Song, Yingbin; Cao, Yalong; Tan, Qiping

    2018-01-01

    To improve the repair effect of electrochemical chloride extraction, a modified electrode configuration is applied in this investigation. In this configuration, two auxiliary electrodes placed in the anodic and cathodic electrolytes were used as the anode and cathode, respectively. Besides this, the steel in the mortar was grounded to protect it from corrosion. By a comparative experiment, the potential evolution, various ions concentrations (Cl−, OH−, Na+, and K+) in different mortar depths, the corrosion potential, and the current density of the steel were measured. The results indicate that compared to electrochemical chloride extraction with the traditional electrode configuration, this electrochemical chloride extraction method with a modified electrode configuration has a similar chloride removal ratio. Besides this, potential of steel is just about 800 mV for a saturated calomel electrode (SCE) during the treatment, which did not reach the hydrogen evolution potential. The phenomenon of the accumulation of OH−, Na+, and K+ did not occur when the modified electrode configuration is applied. Additionally, higher corrosion potentials and lower corrosion current rates were measured after performing electrochemical chloride extraction with the modified electrode configuration. Additionally, it is a short period of time for the steel to go from activation to passivation. On this basis, the modified electrode configuration may overcome the drawbacks of electrochemical chloride extraction. PMID:29389855

  19. Nanoband array electrode as a platform for high sensitivity enzyme-based glucose biosensing.

    PubMed

    Falk, Magnus; Sultana, Reshma; Swann, Marcus J; Mount, Andrew R; Freeman, Neville J

    2016-12-01

    We describe a novel glucose biosensor based on a nanoband array electrode design, manufactured using standard semiconductor processing techniques, and bio-modified with glucose oxidase immobilized at the nanoband electrode surface. The nanoband array architecture allows for efficient diffusion of glucose and oxygen to the electrode, resulting in a thousand-fold improvement in sensitivity and wide linear range compared to a conventional electrode. The electrode constitutes a robust and manufacturable sensing platform. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Impedance spectroscopy of tripolar concentric ring electrodes with Ten20 and TD246 pastes.

    PubMed

    Nasrollaholhosseini, Seyed Hadi; Herrera, Daniel Salazar; Besio, Walter G

    2017-07-01

    Electrodes are used to transform ionic currents to electrical currents in biological systems. Modeling the electrode-electrolyte interface could help to optimize the performance of the electrode interface to achieve higher signal to noise ratios. There are previous reports of accurate models for single-element biomedical electrodes. In this paper, we measured the impedance on both tripolar concentric ring electrodes and standard cup electrodes by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) using both Ten20 and TD246 electrode paste. Furthermore, we applied the model to prove that the model can predict the performance of the electrode-electrolyte interface for tripolar concentric ring electrodes (TCRE) that are used to record brain signals.

  1. Ionization detector, electrode configuration and single polarity charge detection method

    DOEpatents

    He, Z.

    1998-07-07

    An ionization detector, an electrode configuration and a single polarity charge detection method each utilize a boundary electrode which symmetrically surrounds first and second central interlaced and symmetrical electrodes. All of the electrodes are held at a voltage potential of a first polarity type. The first central electrode is held at a higher potential than the second central or boundary electrodes. By forming the first and second central electrodes in a substantially interlaced and symmetrical pattern and forming the boundary electrode symmetrically about the first and second central electrodes, signals generated by charge carriers are substantially of equal strength with respect to both of the central electrodes. The only significant difference in measured signal strength occurs when the charge carriers move to within close proximity of the first central electrode and are received at the first central electrode. The measured signals are then subtracted and compared to quantitatively measure the magnitude of the charge. 10 figs.

  2. Ionization detector, electrode configuration and single polarity charge detection method

    DOEpatents

    He, Zhong

    1998-01-01

    An ionization detector, an electrode configuration and a single polarity charge detection method each utilize a boundary electrode which symmetrically surrounds first and second central interlaced and symmetrical electrodes. All of the electrodes are held at a voltage potential of a first polarity type. The first central electrode is held at a higher potential than the second central or boundary electrodes. By forming the first and second central electrodes in a substantially interlaced and symmetrical pattern and forming the boundary electrode symmetrically about the first and second central electrodes, signals generated by charge carriers are substantially of equal strength with respect to both of the central electrodes. The only significant difference in measured signal strength occurs when the charge carriers move to within close proximity of the first central electrode and are received at the first central electrode. The measured signals are then subtracted and compared to quantitatively measure the magnitude of the charge.

  3. Rough Gold Electrodes for Decreasing Impedance at the Electrolyte/Electrode Interface

    PubMed Central

    Koklu, Anil; Sabuncu, Ahmet C.; Beskok, Ali

    2016-01-01

    Electrode polarization at the electrolyte/electrode interface is often undesirable for bio-sensing applications, where charge accumulated over an electrode at constant potential causes large potential drop at the interface and low measurement sensitivity. In this study, novel rough electrodes were developed for decreasing electrical impedance at the interface. The electrodes were fabricated using electrochemical deposition of gold and sintering of gold nanoparticles. The performances of the gold electrodes were compared with platinum black electrodes. A constant phase element model was used to describe the interfacial impedance. Hundred folds of decrease in interfacial impedance were observed for fractal gold electrodes and platinum black. Biotoxicity, contact angle, and surface morphology of the electrodes were investigated. Relatively low toxicity and hydrophilic nature of the fractal and granulated gold electrodes make them suitable for bioimpedance and cell electromanipulation studies compared to platinum black electrodes which are both hydrophobic and toxic. PMID:27695132

  4. Electrodic voltages in the presence of dissolved sulfide: Implications for monitoring natural microbial activity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Slater, L.; Ntarlagiannis, D.; Yee, N.

    2008-10-01

    There is growing interest in the development of new monitoring strategies for obtaining spatially extensive data diagnostic of microbial processes occurring in the earth. Open-circuit potentials arising from variable redox conditions in the fluid local-to-electrode surfaces (electrodic potentials) were recorded for a pair of silver-silver chloride electrodes in a column experiment, whereby a natural wetland soil containing a known community of sulfate reducers was continuously fed with a sulfate-rich nutrient medium. Measurements were made between five electrodes equally spaced along the column and a reference electrode placed on the column inflow. The presence of a sulfate reducing microbial population, coupledmore » with observations of decreasing sulfate levels, formation of black precipitate (likely iron sulfide),elevated solid phase sulfide, and a characteristic sulfurous smell, suggest microbial-driven sulfate reduction (sulfide generation) in our column. Based on the known sensitivity of a silver electrode to dissolved sulfide concentration, we interpret the electrodic potentials approaching 700 mV recorded in this experiment as an indicator of the bisulfide (HS-) concentration gradients in the column. The measurement of the spatial and temporal variation in these electrodic potentials provides a simple and rapid method for monitoring patterns of relative HS- concentration that are indicative of the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Our measurements have implications both for the autonomous monitoring of anaerobic microbial processes in the subsurface and the performance of self-potential electrodes, where it is critical to isolate, and perhaps quantify, electrochemical interfaces contributing to observed potentials.« less

  5. Long Life Nickel Electrodes for Nickel-Hydrogen Cells: Fiber Substrates Nickel Electrodes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rogers, Howard H.

    2000-01-01

    Samples of nickel fiber mat electrodes were investigated over a wide range of fiber diameters, electrode thickness, porosity and active material loading levels. Thickness' were 0.040, 0.060 and 0.080 inches for the plaque: fiber diameters were primarily 2, 4, and 8 micron and porosity was 85, 90, and 95%. Capacities of 3.5 in. diameter electrodes were determined in the flooded condition with both 26 and 31% potassium hydroxide solution. These capacity tests indicated that the highest capacities per unit weight were obtained at the 90% porosity level with a 4 micron diameter fiber plaque. It appeared that the thinner electrodes had somewhat better performance, consistent with sintered electrode history. Limited testing with two-positive-electrode boiler plate cells was also carried out. Considerable difficulty with constructing the cells was encountered with short circuits the major problem. Nevertheless, four cells were tested. The cell with 95% porosity electrodes failed during conditioning cycling due to high voltage during charge. Discharge showed that this cell had lost nearly all of its capacity. The other three cells after 20 conditioning cycles showed capacities consistent with the flooded capacities of the electrodes. Positive electrodes made from fiber substrates may well show a weight advantage of standard sintered electrodes, but need considerably more work to prove this statement. A major problem to be investigated is the lower strength of the substrate compared to standard sintered electrodes. Problems with welding of leads were significant and implications that the electrodes would expand more than sintered electrodes need to be investigated. Loading levels were lower than had been expected based on sintered electrode experiences and the lower loading led to lower capacity values. However, lower loading causes less expansion and contraction during cycling so that stress on the substrate is reduced.

  6. Selective in situ potential-assisted SAM formation on multi electrode arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haag, Ann-Lauriene; Toader, Violeta; Lennox, R. Bruce; Grutter, Peter

    2016-11-01

    The selective modification of individual components in a biosensor array is challenging. To address this challenge, we present a generalizable approach to selectively modify and characterize individual gold surfaces in an array, in an in situ manner. This is achieved by taking advantage of the potential dependent adsorption/desorption of surface-modified organic molecules. Control of the applied potential of the individual sensors in an array where each acts as a working electrode provides differential derivatization of the sensor surfaces. To demonstrate this concept, two different self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-forming electrochemically addressable ω-ferrocenyl alkanethiols (C11) are chemisorbed onto independent but spatially adjacent gold electrodes. The ferrocene alkanethiol does not chemisorb onto the surface when the applied potential is cathodic relative to the adsorption potential and the electrode remains underivatized. However, applying potentials that are modestly positive relative to the adsorption potential leads to extensive coverage within 10 min. The resulting SAM remains in a stable state while held at potentials <200 mV above the adsorption potential. In this state, the chemisorbed SAM does not significantly desorb nor do new ferrocenylalkythiols adsorb. Using three set applied potentials provides for controlled submonolayer alkylthiol marker coverage of each independent gold electrode. These three applied potentials are dependent upon the specifics of the respective adsorbate. Characterization of the ferrocene-modified electrodes via cyclic voltammetry demonstrates that each specific ferrocene marker is exclusively adsorbed to the desired target electrode.

  7. Fast and Sensitive Detection of Pb2+ in Foods Using Disposable Screen-Printed Electrode Modified by Reduced Graphene Oxide

    PubMed Central

    Jian, Jin-Ming; Liu, Yan-Yan; Zhang, Ye-Lei; Guo, Xi-Shan; Cai, Qiang

    2013-01-01

    In this study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was electrochemically deposited on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) to prepare a disposable sensor for fast detection of Pb2+ in foods. The SEM images showed that the rGO was homogeneously deposited onto the electrode surface with a wrinkled nanostructure, which provided 2D bridges for electron transport and a larger active area for Pb2+ adsorption. Results showed that rGO modification enhanced the activity of the electrode surface, and significantly improved the electrochemical properties of SPCE. The rGO modified SPCE (rGO-SPCE) was applied to detect Pb2+ in standard aqueous solution, showing a sharp stripping peak and a relatively constant peak potential in square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The linear range for Pb2+ detection was 5∼200 ppb (R2 = 0.9923) with a low detection limit of 1 ppb (S/N = 3). The interference of Cd2+ and Cu2+ at low concentrations was effectively avoided. Finally, the rGO-SPCE was used for determination of lead in real tap water, juice, preserved eggs and tea samples. Compared with results from graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS), the results based on rGO-SPCE were both accurate and reliable, suggesting that the disposable sensor has great potential in application for fast, sensitive and low-cost detection of Pb2+ in foods. PMID:24077322

  8. Cortical visual evoked potentials recorded after optic tract near field stimulation during GPi-DBS in non-cooperative patients.

    PubMed

    Landi, Andrea; Pirillo, David; Cilia, Roberto; Antonini, Angelo; Sganzerla, Erik P

    2011-02-01

    Neurophysiologic monitoring during deep brain stimulation (DBS) interventions in the globus pallidus internum (Gpi) for the treatment of Parkinson's disease or primary dystonia is generally based upon microelectrode recordings (MER); moreover, MER request sophisticated technology and high level trained personnel for a reliable monitoring. Recordings of cortical visual evoked potentials (CVEPs) obtained after stimulation of the optic tract may be a potential option to MER; since optic tract lies just beneath the best target for Gpi DBS, changes in CVEPs during intraoperative exploration may drive a correct electrode positioning. Cortical VEPs from optic tract stimulation (OT C-CEPs) have been recorded in seven patients during GPi-DBS for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and primary dystonia under general sedation. OT C-VEPs were obtained after near-field monopolar stimulation of the optic tract; recording electrodes were at the scalp. Cortical responses after optic tract versus standard visual stimulation were compared. After intraoperative near-field OT stimulation a biphasic wave, named N40-P70, was detected in all cases. N40-P70 neither change in morphology nor in latency at different depths, but increased in amplitude approaching the optic tract. The electrode tip was positioned just 1mm above the point where OT-CVEPs showed the larger amplitude. No MERs were obtained in these patients; OT CVEPs were the only method to detect the Gpi before positioning the electrodes. OT CVEPs seem to be as reliable as MER to detail the optimal target in Gpi surgery: in addition they are less expensive, faster to perform and easier to decode. Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  9. In situ electrochemical investigations of the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of nickel-metal hydride traction batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Xiao Guang; Liaw, Bor Yann

    Although large ampere hour nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) traction batteries are in the stage of being commercialized for electric and hybrid vehicle applications, little is known about their performance characteristics. By using a standard Hg/HgO reference electrode in a commercial Ni-MH battery, we were able to conduct in situ measurements to determine both kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the system, including the characteristics of individual electrodes. Using the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), we simultaneously and effectively determined the open-circuit voltage of the battery, the equilibrium electrode potentials, and the diffusion coefficient of proton and hydrogen in the nickel and metal hydride electrode, respectively, as a function of the states of charge (SOC). Using the current-step excitation technique, we found that the internal resistance of the battery primarily comes from the metal hydride electrode, which is greater by one order of magnitude than that of the Ni electrode. The cyclic linear micro-polarization experiments, on the other hand, showed that the charge-transfer resistance of the electrochemical reaction at the metal hydride electrode is about twice larger than that of the Ni counterpart above 20% SOC. In comparison, the internal resistance is an order of magnitude smaller than those of the electrochemical charge-transfer reactions. The micro-polarization technique also allowed us to calculate the exchange current densities of the respective electrode electrochemical reactions and the associated specific exchange current densities. These in situ, simple but detailed, characterizations of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the Ni-MH system provided valuable information for better understanding of the battery performance.

  10. Cell voltage versus electrode potential range in aqueous supercapacitors

    PubMed Central

    Dai, Zengxin; Peng, Chuang; Chae, Jung Hoon; Ng, Kok Chiang; Chen, George Z.

    2015-01-01

    Supercapacitors with aqueous electrolytes and nanostructured composite electrodes are attractive because of their high charging-discharging speed, long cycle life, low environmental impact and wide commercial affordability. However, the energy capacity of aqueous supercapacitors is limited by the electrochemical window of water. In this paper, a recently reported engineering strategy is further developed and demonstrated to correlate the maximum charging voltage of a supercapacitor with the capacitive potential ranges and the capacitance ratio of the two electrodes. Beyond the maximum charging voltage, a supercapacitor may still operate, but at the expense of a reduced cycle life. In addition, it is shown that the supercapacitor performance is strongly affected by the initial and zero charge potentials of the electrodes. Further, the differences are highlighted and elaborated between freshly prepared, aged under open circuit conditions, and cycled electrodes of composites of conducting polymers and carbon nanotubes. The first voltammetric charging-discharging cycle has an electrode conditioning effect to change the electrodes from their initial potentials to the potential of zero voltage, and reduce the irreversibility. PMID:25897670

  11. Commercialisation of CMOS integrated circuit technology in multi-electrode arrays for neuroscience and cell-based biosensors.

    PubMed

    Graham, Anthony H D; Robbins, Jon; Bowen, Chris R; Taylor, John

    2011-01-01

    The adaptation of standard integrated circuit (IC) technology as a transducer in cell-based biosensors in drug discovery pharmacology, neural interface systems and electrophysiology requires electrodes that are electrochemically stable, biocompatible and affordable. Unfortunately, the ubiquitous Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) IC technology does not meet the first of these requirements. For devices intended only for research, modification of CMOS by post-processing using cleanroom facilities has been achieved. However, to enable adoption of CMOS as a basis for commercial biosensors, the economies of scale of CMOS fabrication must be maintained by using only low-cost post-processing techniques. This review highlights the methodologies employed in cell-based biosensor design where CMOS-based integrated circuits (ICs) form an integral part of the transducer system. Particular emphasis will be placed on the application of multi-electrode arrays for in vitro neuroscience applications. Identifying suitable IC packaging methods presents further significant challenges when considering specific applications. The various challenges and difficulties are reviewed and some potential solutions are presented.

  12. Septonex-tetraphenylborate screen-printed ion selective electrode for the potentiometric determination of Septonex in pharmaceutical preparations.

    PubMed

    Mohamed, Gehad G; El-Shahat, M F; Al-Sabagh, A M; Migahed, M A; Ali, Tamer Awad

    2011-04-07

    A screen-printed electrode (SPE) was fabricated for the determination of 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)pentadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (Septonex) based on the use of Septonex-tetraphenylborate as the electroactive substance, and o-nitrophenyloctylether (o-NPOE) as the plasticizing agent. The electrode passes a near-Nernstian cationic slope of 59.33 ± 0.85 mV from activity between pH values of 2 to 9 with a lower detection limit of 9×10(-7) M and response time of about 5 s and exhibits an adequate shelf-life of 6 months. The method was applied for the determination of Septonex in pharmaceutical preparations. A percentage recovery of 99.88% was obtained with RSD=1.24%. The electrode was successfully applied in the determination of Septonex in laboratory-prepared samples by direct potentiometric, calibration curve and standard addition methods. Potentiometric titration of Septonex with sodium tetraphenylborate and phosphotungstic acid as a titrant was monitored with the modified screen-printed electrode as an end-point indicator electrode. Selectivity coefficients for Septonex relative to a number of potential interfering substances were determined. The sensor was highly selective for Septonex over a large number of compounds. Selectivity coefficient data for some common ions show negligible interference; however, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and iodide ions interfere significantly. The analytical usefulness of the proposed electrode was evaluated by its application in the determination of Septonex in laboratory-prepared pharmaceutical samples with satisfactory results. The results obtained with the fabricated sensor are comparable with those obtained by the British Pharmacopeia method. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

  13. Mapping the vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP).

    PubMed

    Colebatch, James G

    2012-01-01

    Effects of different electrode placements and indifferent electrodes were investigated for the vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) recorded from the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). In 5 normal volunteers, the motor point of the left SCM was identified and an electrode placed there. A grid of 7 additional electrodes was laid out, along and across the SCM, based upon the location of the motor point. One reference electrode was placed over the sternoclavicular joint and another over C7. There were clear morphological changes with differing recording sites and for the two reference electrodes, but the earliest and largest responses were recorded from the motor point. The C7 reference affected the level of rectified EMG and was associated with an initial negativity in some electrodes. The latencies of the p13 potentials increased with distance from the motor point but the n23 latencies did not. Thus the p13 potential behaved as a travelling wave whereas the n23 behaved as a standing wave. The C7 reference may be contaminated by other evoked myogenic activity. Ideally recordings should be made with an active electrode over the motor point.

  14. Weld arc simulator

    DOEpatents

    Burr, Melvin J.

    1990-01-30

    An arc voltage simulator for an arc welder permits the welder response to a variation in arc voltage to be standardized. The simulator uses a linear potentiometer connected to the electrode to provide a simulated arc voltage at the electrode that changes as a function of electrode position.

  15. Millimeter-scale epileptiform spike propagation patterns and their relationship to seizures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vanleer, Ann C.; Blanco, Justin A.; Wagenaar, Joost B.; Viventi, Jonathan; Contreras, Diego; Litt, Brian

    2016-04-01

    Objective. Current mapping of epileptic networks in patients prior to epilepsy surgery utilizes electrode arrays with sparse spatial sampling (∼1.0 cm inter-electrode spacing). Recent research demonstrates that sub-millimeter, cortical-column-scale domains have a role in seizure generation that may be clinically significant. We use high-resolution, active, flexible surface electrode arrays with 500 μm inter-electrode spacing to explore epileptiform local field potential (LFP) spike propagation patterns in two dimensions recorded from subdural micro-electrocorticographic signals in vivo in cat. In this study, we aimed to develop methods to quantitatively characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics of epileptiform activity at high-resolution. Approach. We topically administered a GABA-antagonist, picrotoxin, to induce acute neocortical epileptiform activity leading up to discrete electrographic seizures. We extracted features from LFP spikes to characterize spatiotemporal patterns in these events. We then tested the hypothesis that two-dimensional spike patterns during seizures were different from those between seizures. Main results. We showed that spatially correlated events can be used to distinguish ictal versus interictal spikes. Significance. We conclude that sub-millimeter-scale spatiotemporal spike patterns reveal network dynamics that are invisible to standard clinical recordings and contain information related to seizure-state.

  16. Electrochemically Driven Fermentation of Organic Substrates with Undefined Mixed Microbial Cultures.

    PubMed

    Villano, Marianna; Paiano, Paola; Palma, Enza; Miccheli, Alfredo; Majone, Mauro

    2017-08-10

    Growing scientific interest in mixed microbial culture-based anaerobic biotechnologies for the production of value-added chemicals and fuels from organic waste residues requires a parallel focus on the development and implementation of strategies to control the distribution of products. This study examined the feasibility of an electrofermentation approach, based on the introduction of a polarized (-700 mV vs. the standard hydrogen electrode) graphite electrode in the fermentation medium, to steer the product distribution during the conversion of organic substrates (glucose, ethanol, and acetate supplied as single compounds or in mixtures) by undefined mixed microbial cultures. In batch experiments, the polarized electrode triggered a nearly 20-fold increase (relative to open circuit controls) in the yield of isobutyrate production (0.43±0.01 vs. 0.02±0.02 mol mol -1 glucose) during the anaerobic fermentation of the ternary mixture of substrates, without adversely affecting the rate of substrate bioconversion. The observed change in the fermentative metabolism was most likely triggered by the (potentiostatic) regulation of the oxidation-reduction potential of the reaction medium rather than by the electrode serving as an electron donor. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Anisotropic etching of platinum electrodes at the onset of cathodic corrosion

    PubMed Central

    Hersbach, Thomas J. P.; Yanson, Alexei I.; Koper, Marc T. M.

    2016-01-01

    Cathodic corrosion is a process that etches metal electrodes under cathodic polarization. This process is presumed to occur through anionic metallic reaction intermediates, but the exact nature of these intermediates and the onset potential of their formation is unknown. Here we determine the onset potential of cathodic corrosion on platinum electrodes. Electrodes are characterized electrochemically before and after cathodic polarization in 10 M sodium hydroxide, revealing that changes in the electrode surface start at an electrode potential of −1.3 V versus the normal hydrogen electrode. The value of this onset potential rules out previous hypotheses regarding the nature of cathodic corrosion. Scanning electron microscopy shows the formation of well-defined etch pits with a specific orientation, which match the voltammetric data and indicate a remarkable anisotropy in the cathodic etching process, favouring the creation of (100) sites. Such anisotropy is hypothesized to be due to surface charge-induced adsorption of electrolyte cations. PMID:27554398

  18. Electric field effects on current–voltage relationships in microfluidic channels presenting multiple working electrodes in the weak-coupling limit

    DOE PAGES

    Contento, Nicholas M.; Bohn, Paul W.

    2014-05-23

    While electrochemical methods are well suited for lab-on-a-chip applications, reliably coupling multiple, electrode-controlled processes in a single microfluidic channel remains a considerable challenge, because the electric fields driving electrokinetic flow make it difficult to establish a precisely known potential at the working electrode(s). The challenge of coupling electrochemical detection with microchip electrophoresis is well known; however, the problem is general, arising in other multielectrode arrangements with applications in enhanced detection and chemical processing. Here, we study the effects of induced electric fields on voltammetric behavior in a microchannel containing multiple in-channel electrodes, using a Fe(CN) 6 3/4- model system. Whenmore » an electric field is induced by applying a cathodic potential at one inchannel electrode, the half-wave potential (E 1/2) for the oxidation of ferrocyanide at an adjacent electrode shifts to more negative potentials. The E 1/2 value depends linearly on the electric field current at a separate in-channel electrode. The observed shift in E 1/2 is quantitatively described by a model, which accounts for the change in solution potential caused by the iR drop along the length of the microchannel. The model, which reliably captures changes in electrode location and solution conductivity, apportions the electric field potential between iR drop and electrochemical potential components, enabling the study of microchannel electric field magnitudes at low applied potentials. In the system studied, the iR component of the electric field potential increases exponentially with applied current before reaching an asymptotic value near 80 % of the total applied potential. The methods described will aid in the development and interpretation of future microchip electrochemistry methods, particularly those that benefit from the coupling of electrokinetic and electrochemical phenomena at low voltages.« less

  19. Selective stimulation of facial muscles with a penetrating electrode array in the feline model

    PubMed Central

    Sahyouni, Ronald; Bhatt, Jay; Djalilian, Hamid R.; Tang, William C.; Middlebrooks, John C.; Lin, Harrison W.

    2017-01-01

    Objective Permanent facial nerve injury is a difficult challenge for both patients and physicians given its potential for debilitating functional, cosmetic, and psychological sequelae. Although current surgical interventions have provided considerable advancements in facial nerve rehabilitation, they often fail to fully address all impairments. We aim to introduce an alternative approach to facial nerve rehabilitation. Study design Acute experiments in animals with normal facial function. Methods The study included three anesthetized cats. Four facial muscles (levator auris longus, orbicularis oculi, nasalis, and orbicularis oris) were monitored with a standard electromyographic (EMG) facial nerve monitoring system with needle electrodes. The main trunk of the facial nerve was exposed and a 16-channel penetrating electrode array was placed into the nerve. Electrical current pulses were delivered to each stimulating electrode individually. Elicited EMG voltage outputs were recorded for each muscle. Results Stimulation through individual channels selectively activated restricted nerve populations, resulting in selective contraction of individual muscles. Increasing stimulation current levels resulted in increasing EMG voltage responses. Typically, selective activation of two or more distinct muscles was successfully achieved via a single placement of the multi-channel electrode array by selection of appropriate stimulation channels. Conclusion We have established in the animal model the ability of a penetrating electrode array to selectively stimulate restricted fiber populations within the facial nerve and to selectively elicit contractions in specific muscles and regions of the face. These results show promise for the development of a facial nerve implant system. PMID:27312936

  20. High frequency reference electrode

    DOEpatents

    Kronberg, J.W.

    1994-05-31

    A high frequency reference electrode for electrochemical experiments comprises a mercury-calomel or silver-silver chloride reference electrode with a layer of platinum around it and a layer of a chemically and electrically resistant material such as TEFLON around the platinum covering all but a small ring or halo' at the tip of the reference electrode, adjacent to the active portion of the reference electrode. The voltage output of the platinum layer, which serves as a redox electrode, and that of the reference electrode are coupled by a capacitor or a set of capacitors and the coupled output transmitted to a standard laboratory potentiostat. The platinum may be applied by thermal decomposition to the surface of the reference electrode. The electrode provides superior high-frequency response over conventional electrodes. 4 figs.

  1. High frequency reference electrode

    DOEpatents

    Kronberg, James W.

    1994-01-01

    A high frequency reference electrode for electrochemical experiments comprises a mercury-calomel or silver-silver chloride reference electrode with a layer of platinum around it and a layer of a chemically and electrically resistant material such as TEFLON around the platinum covering all but a small ring or "halo" at the tip of the reference electrode, adjacent to the active portion of the reference electrode. The voltage output of the platinum layer, which serves as a redox electrode, and that of the reference electrode are coupled by a capacitor or a set of capacitors and the coupled output transmitted to a standard laboratory potentiostat. The platinum may be applied by thermal decomposition to the surface of the reference electrode. The electrode provides superior high-frequency response over conventional electrodes.

  2. Continuous decoding of human grasp kinematics using epidural and subdural signals

    PubMed Central

    Flint, Robert D.; Rosenow, Joshua M.; Tate, Matthew C.; Slutzky, Marc W.

    2017-01-01

    Objective Restoring or replacing function in paralyzed individuals will one day be achieved through the use of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). Regaining hand function is a major goal for paralyzed patients. Two competing prerequisites for the widespread adoption of any hand neuroprosthesis are: accurate control over the fine details of movement, and minimized invasiveness. Here, we explore the interplay between these two goals by comparing our ability to decode hand movements with subdural and epidural field potentials. Approach We measured the accuracy of decoding continuous hand and finger kinematics during naturalistic grasping motions in five human subjects. We recorded subdural surface potentials (electrocorticography; ECoG) as well as with epidural field potentials (EFPs), with both standard- and high-resolution electrode arrays. Main results In all five subjects, decoding of continuous kinematics significantly exceeded chance, using either EGoG or EFPs. ECoG decoding accuracy compared favorably with prior investigations of grasp kinematics (mean± SD grasp aperture variance accounted for was 0.54± 0.05 across all subjects, 0.75± 0.09 for the best subject). In general, EFP decoding performed comparably to ECoG decoding. The 7–20 Hz and 70–115 Hz spectral bands contained the most information about grasp kinematics, with the 70–115 Hz band containing greater information about more subtle movements. Higher-resolution recording arrays provided clearly superior performance compared to standard-resolution arrays. Significance To approach the fine motor control achieved by an intact brain-body system, it will be necessary to execute motor intent on a continuous basis with high accuracy. The current results demonstrate that this level of accuracy might be achievable not just with ECoG, but with EFPs as well. Epidural placement of electrodes is less invasive, and therefore may incur less risk of encephalitis or stroke than subdural placement of electrodes. Accurately decoding motor commands at the epidural level may be an important step towards a clinically viable brain-machine interface. PMID:27900947

  3. In-Situ through-Plane Measurements of Ionic Potential Distributions in Non-Precious Metal Catalyst Electrode for PEFC

    DOE PAGES

    Komini Babu, S.; Chung, H. T.; Zelenay, P.; ...

    2015-09-14

    This manuscript presents micro-scale experimental diagnostics and nano-scale resolution X-ray imaging applied to the study of proton conduction in non-precious metal catalyst (NPMC) fuel cell cathodes. NPMC’s have the potential to reduce the cost of the fuel cell for multiple applications. But, NPMC electrodes are inherently thick compared to the convention Pt/C electrode due to the lower volumetric activity. Thus, the electric potential drop through the Nafion across the electrode thickness can yield significant performance loss. Ionomer distributions in the NPMC electrodes with different ionomer loading are extracted from morphological data using nanoscale X-ray computed tomography (nano-XCT) imaging of themore » cathode. Microstructured electrode scaffold (MES) diagnostics are used to measure the electrolyte potential at discrete points across the thickness of the catalyst layer. When using that apparatus, the electrolyte potential drop, the through-thickness reaction distribution, and the proton conductivity are measured and correlated with the corresponding Nafion morphology and cell performance.« less

  4. Cochlear implantation: is hearing preservation necessary in severe to profound hearing loss?

    PubMed

    Derinsu, Ufuk; Serin, Gediz Murat; Akdaş, Ferda; Batman, Çağlar

    2011-03-01

    The goal of the cochlear implant surgery is to place the electrode array with minimal damage to preserve the residual hearing. Round-window insertion can be performed in a manner that is potentially less traumatic than the standard cochleostomy. The purpose of the study was to investigate audiological results of the round-window approach using standard electrode. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate our experience in patients with implanted through round window between January 2007 and March 2009. Sixty patients had undergone cochlear implant surgery through the round window with full insertion of a standard electrode array. Preoperative and postoperative pure-tone thresholds were measured for implanted ears in the range of 250 to 4000 Hz. Within these 60 cases, 31 patients had been evaluated. The population comprised 16 women and 15 men. The mean age was 15.96 years (range, 4-64 years). Follow-up times ranged from 6 to 26 months. Preservation of low-frequency hearing (250 and 500 Hz) was achieved in 27 (87%) of 31 patients. Complete hearing preservation (all frequencies) was accomplished in 11 patients (35.48%). No hearing could be determined postoperatively in 4 patients (12.9%), having preoperative thresholds of 120 dB at 250, 500, and 1000 Hz. Round-window approach has been widely used for preservation of residual hearing. In our patients with severe to profound hearing loss, we preserved residual hearing. Although the residual hearing cannot be sufficient for using additional acoustic stimulation, the preserved residual hearing means minimal damage and a more convenient cochlea, so this is promising for future development.

  5. Electrochemical double layers at the interface between glassy electrolytes and platinum: Differentiating between the anode and the cathode capacitance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kruempelmann, J.; Mariappan, C. R.; Schober, C.; Roling, B.

    2010-12-01

    We have measured potential-dependent interfacial capacitances of two Na-Ca-phosphosilicate glasses and of an AgI-doped silver borate glass between ion-blocking Pt electrodes. An asymmetric electrode configuration with highly dissimilar electrode areas on both faces of the glass samples allowed us to determine the capacitance at the small-area electrode. Using equivalent circuit fitting we extract potential-dependent double-layer capacitances. The potential-dependent anodic capacitance exhibits a weak maximum and drops strongly at higher potentials. The cathodic capacitance exhibits a more pronounced maximum, this maximum being responsible for the maximum in the total capacitance observed in measurements in a symmetrical electrode configuration. The capacitance maxima of the Na-Ca phosphosilicate glasses show up at higher electrode potentials than the maxima of the AgI-doped silver borate glass. Remarkably, for both types of glasses, the potential of the cathodic capacitance maximum is closely related to the activation energy of the bulk ion transport. We compare our results to recent theoretical predictions by Shklovskii and co-workers.

  6. Electrode Edge Cobalt Cation Migration in an Operating Fuel Cell: An In Situ Micro-X-ray Fluorescence Study

    DOE PAGES

    Cai, Yun; Ziegelbauer, Joseph M.; Baker, Andrew M.; ...

    2018-03-14

    PtCo-alloy cathode electrocatalysts release Co cations under operation, and the presence of these cations in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) can result in large performance losses. It is unlikely that these cations are static, but change positions depending on operating conditions. A thorough accounting of these Co cation positions and concentrations has been impossible to obtain owing to the inability to monitor these processes in operando. Indeed, the environment (water and ion content, potential, and temperature) within a fuel cell varies widely from inlet to outlet, from anode to cathode, and from active to inactive area. Here, synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescencemore » (μ-XRF) was leveraged to directly monitor Co 2+ transport in an operating H 2/air MEA for the first time. A Nafion membrane was exchanged to a known Co cation capacity, and standard Pt/C electrocatalysts were utilized for both electrodes. Co Kα 1 XRF maps revealed through-plane transient Co transport responses driven by cell potential and current density. Because of the cell design and imaging geometry, the distributions were strongly impacted by the MEA edge configuration. These findings will drive future imaging cell designs to allow for quantitative mapping of cation through-plane distributions during operation.« less

  7. Electrode Edge Cobalt Cation Migration in an Operating Fuel Cell: An In Situ Micro-X-ray Fluorescence Study

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cai, Yun; Ziegelbauer, Joseph M.; Baker, Andrew M.

    PtCo-alloy cathode electrocatalysts release Co cations under operation, and the presence of these cations in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) can result in large performance losses. It is unlikely that these cations are static, but change positions depending on operating conditions. A thorough accounting of these Co cation positions and concentrations has been impossible to obtain owing to the inability to monitor these processes in operando. Indeed, the environment (water and ion content, potential, and temperature) within a fuel cell varies widely from inlet to outlet, from anode to cathode, and from active to inactive area. Here, synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescencemore » (μ-XRF) was leveraged to directly monitor Co 2+ transport in an operating H 2/air MEA for the first time. A Nafion membrane was exchanged to a known Co cation capacity, and standard Pt/C electrocatalysts were utilized for both electrodes. Co Kα 1 XRF maps revealed through-plane transient Co transport responses driven by cell potential and current density. Because of the cell design and imaging geometry, the distributions were strongly impacted by the MEA edge configuration. These findings will drive future imaging cell designs to allow for quantitative mapping of cation through-plane distributions during operation.« less

  8. Quantitative Analysis of Electroplated Nickel Coating on Hard Metal

    PubMed Central

    Wahab, Hassan A.; Noordin, M. Y.; Izman, S.

    2013-01-01

    Electroplated nickel coating on cemented carbide is a potential pretreatment technique for providing an interlayer prior to diamond deposition on the hard metal substrate. The electroplated nickel coating is expected to be of high quality, for example, indicated by having adequate thickness and uniformity. Electroplating parameters should be set accordingly for this purpose. In this study, the gap distances between the electrodes and duration of electroplating process are the investigated variables. Their effect on the coating thickness and uniformity was analyzed and quantified using design of experiment. The nickel deposition was carried out by electroplating in a standard Watt's solution keeping other plating parameters (current: 0.1 Amp, electric potential: 1.0 V, and pH: 3.5) constant. The gap distance between anode and cathode varied at 5, 10, and 15 mm, while the plating time was 10, 20, and 30 minutes. Coating thickness was found to be proportional to the plating time and inversely proportional to the electrode gap distance, while the uniformity tends to improve at a large electrode gap. Empirical models of both coating thickness and uniformity were developed within the ranges of the gap distance and plating time settings, and an optimized solution was determined using these models. PMID:23997678

  9. Ohmic resistance affects microbial community and ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Multi-anode microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs) are considered as one of the most promising configurations for scale-up of MXCs, but fundamental understanding of anode kinetics governing current density is limited in the MXCs. In this study we first assessed microbial community and electrochemical kinetic parameters for biofilms on individual anodes in a multi-anode MXC to better comprehend anode fundamentals. Microbial community analysis using 16S rRNA illumine sequencing showed that Geobactor genus, one of the most kinetically efficient anode-respiring bacteria (ARB), was abundant (87%) only on the biofilm anode closest to a reference electrode in which current density was the highest among four anodes. In comparison, Geobacter populations were less than 11% for other three anodes more distant from the reference electrode, generating small current density. Half-saturation anode potential (EKA) was the lowest at -0.251 to -0.242 V (vs. standard hydrogen electrode) for the closest anode, while EKA was as high as -0.134 V for the farthest anode. Our study clearly proves that ohmic resistance changes anode potential which mainly causes different biofilm communities on individual anodes and consequently influences anode kinetics. This study explored the use of multiple anodes in microelectrochemical cells and the microbial community on these anodes, as a function of the efficiency in producing hydrogen peroxide.

  10. Electrically evoked compound action potentials are different depending on the site of cochlear stimulation.

    PubMed

    van de Heyning, Paul; Arauz, Santiago L; Atlas, Marcus; Baumgartner, Wolf-Dieter; Caversaccio, Marco; Chester-Browne, Ronel; Estienne, Patricia; Gavilan, Javier; Godey, Benoit; Gstöttner, Wolfgang; Han, Demin; Hagen, Rudolph; Kompis, Martin; Kuzovkov, Vlad; Lassaletta, Luis; Lefevre, Franc; Li, Yongxin; Müller, Joachim; Parnes, Lorne; Kleine Punte, Andrea; Raine, Christopher; Rajan, Gunesh; Rivas, Adriana; Rivas, José Antonio; Royle, Nicola; Sprinzl, Georg; Stephan, Kurt; Walkowiak, Adam; Yanov, Yuri; Zimmermann, Kim; Zorowka, Patrick; Skarzynski, Henryk

    2016-11-01

    One of the many parameters that can affect cochlear implant (CI) users' performance is the site of presentation of electrical stimulation, from the CI, to the auditory nerve. Evoked compound action potential (ECAP) measurements are commonly used to verify nerve function by stimulating one electrode contact in the cochlea and recording the resulting action potentials on the other contacts of the electrode array. The present study aimed to determine if the ECAP amplitude differs between the apical, middle, and basal region of the cochlea, if double peak potentials were more likely in the apex than the basal region of the cochlea, and if there were differences in the ECAP threshold and recovery function across the cochlea. ECAP measurements were performed in the apical, middle, and basal region of the cochlea at fixed sites of stimulation with varying recording electrodes. One hundred and forty one adult subjects with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss fitted with a Standard or FLEX SOFT electrode were included in this study. ECAP responses were captured using MAESTRO System Software (MED-EL). The ECAP amplitude, threshold, and slope were determined using amplitude growth sequences. The 50% recovery rate was assessed using independent single sequences that have two stimulation pulses (a masker and a probe pulse) separated by a variable inter-pulse interval. For all recordings, ECAP peaks were annotated semi-automatically. ECAP amplitudes were greater upon stimulation of the apical region compared to the basal region of the cochlea. ECAP slopes were steeper in the apical region compared to the basal region of the cochlea and ECAP thresholds were lower in the middle region compared to the basal region of the cochlea. The incidence of double peaks was greater upon stimulation of the apical region compared to the basal region of the cochlea. This data indicates that the site and intensity of cochlear stimulation affect ECAP properties.

  11. Boundary element analysis of the directional sensitivity of the concentric EMG electrode.

    PubMed

    Henneberg, K A; Plonsey, R

    1993-07-01

    Assessment of the motor unit architecture based on concentric electrode motor unit potentials requires a thorough understanding of the recording characteristics of the concentric EMG electrode. Previous simulation studies have attempted to include the effect of EMG electrodes on the recorded waveforms by uniformly averaging the tissue potential at the coordinates of one- or two-dimensional electrode models. By employing the boundary element method, this paper improves earlier models of the concentric EMG electrode by including an accurate geometric representation of the electrode, as well as the mutual electrical influence between the electrode surfaces. A three-dimensional sensitivity function is defined from which information about the preferential direction of sensitivity, blind spots, phase changes, rate of attenuation, and range of pick-up radius can be derived. The study focuses on the intrinsic features linked to the geometry of the electrode. The results show that the cannula perturbs the potential distribution significantly. The core and the cannula electrodes measure potentials of the same order of magnitude in all of the pick-up range, except adjacent to the central wire, where the latter dominates the sensitivity function. The preferential directions of sensitivity are determined by the amount of geometric offset between the individual sensitivity functions of the core and the cannula. The sensitivity function also reveals a complicated pattern of phase changes in the pick-up range. Potentials from fibers located behind the tip or along the cannula are recorded with reversed polarity compared to those located in front of the tip. Rotation of the electrode about its axis was found to alter the duration, the peak-to-peak amplitude, and the rise time of waveforms recorded from a moving dipole.

  12. Polarity effects and apparent ion recombination in microionization chambers

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miller, Jessica R., E-mail: miller@humonc.wisc.edu; Hooten, Brian D.; Micka, John A.

    Purpose: Microchambers demonstrate anomalous voltage-dependent polarity effects. Existing polarity and ion recombination correction factors do not account for these effects. As a result, many commercial microchamber models do not meet the specification of a reference-class ionization chamber as defined by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the cause of these voltage-dependent polarity effects. Methods: A series of microchamber prototypes were produced to isolate the source of the voltage-dependent polarity effects. Parameters including ionization-chamber collecting-volume size, stem and cable irradiation, chamber assembly, contaminants, high-Z materials, and individual chamber components were investigated. Measurementsmore » were performed with electrodes coated with graphite to isolate electrode conductivity. Chamber response was measured as the potential bias of the guard electrode was altered with respect to the collecting electrode, through the integration of additional power supplies. Ionization chamber models were also simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics software to investigate the effect of a potential difference between electrodes on electric field lines and collecting volume definition. Results: Investigations with microchamber prototypes demonstrated that the significant source of the voltage-dependent polarity effects was a potential difference between the guard and collecting electrodes of the chambers. The voltage-dependent polarity effects for each prototype were primarily isolated to either the guard or collecting electrode. Polarity effects were reduced by coating the isolated electrode with a conductive layer of graphite. Polarity effects were increased by introducing a potential difference between the electrodes. COMSOL simulations further demonstrated that for a given potential difference between electrodes, the collecting volume of the chamber changed as the applied voltage was altered, producing voltage-dependent polarity effects in the chamber response. Ionization chamber measurements and COMSOL simulations demonstrated an inverse relationship between the chamber collecting volume size and the severity of voltage-dependent polarity effects on chamber response. The effect of a given potential difference on chamber polarity effects was roughly ten times greater for microchambers as compared to Farmer-type chambers. Stem and cable irradiations, chamber assembly, contaminants, and high-Z materials were not found to be a significant source of the voltage-dependent polarity effects. Conclusions: A potential difference between the guard and collecting electrodes was found to be the primary source of the voltage-dependent polarity effects demonstrated by microchambers. For a given potential difference between electrodes, the relative change in the collecting volume is smaller for larger-volume chambers, illustrating why these polarity effects are not seen in larger-volume chambers with similar guard and collecting electrode designs. Thus, for small-volume chambers, it is necessary to reduce the potential difference between the guard and collecting electrodes in order to reduce polarity effects for reference dosimetry measurements.« less

  13. Electrode kinetics of a water vapor electrolysis cell

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jacobs, G.

    1974-01-01

    The anodic electrochemical behavior of the water vapor electrolysis cell was investigated. A theoretical review of various aspects of cell overvoltage is presented with special emphasis on concentration overvoltage and activation overvoltage. Other sources of overvoltage are described. The experimental apparatus controlled and measured anode potential and cell current. Potentials between 1.10 and 2.60 V (vs NHE) and currents between 0.1 and 3000 mA were investigated. Different behavior was observed between the standard cell and the free electrolyte cell. The free electrolyte cell followed typical Tafel behavior (i.e. activation overvoltage) with Tafel slopes of about 0.15, and the exchange current densities of 10 to the minus 9th power A/sq cm, both in good agreement with literature values. The standard cell exhibitied this same Tafel behavior at lower current densities but deviated toward lower than expected current densities at higher potentials. This behavior and other results were examined to determine their origin.

  14. Evaluation of the constant potential method in simulating electric double-layer capacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Zhenxing; Yang, Yang; Olmsted, David L.; Asta, Mark; Laird, Brian B.

    2014-11-01

    A major challenge in the molecular simulation of electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) is the choice of an appropriate model for the electrode. Typically, in such simulations the electrode surface is modeled using a uniform fixed charge on each of the electrode atoms, which ignores the electrode response to local charge fluctuations in the electrolyte solution. In this work, we evaluate and compare this Fixed Charge Method (FCM) with the more realistic Constant Potential Method (CPM), [S. K. Reed et al., J. Chem. Phys. 126, 084704 (2007)], in which the electrode charges fluctuate in order to maintain constant electric potential in each electrode. For this comparison, we utilize a simplified LiClO4-acetonitrile/graphite EDLC. At low potential difference (ΔΨ ⩽ 2 V), the two methods yield essentially identical results for ion and solvent density profiles; however, significant differences appear at higher ΔΨ. At ΔΨ ⩾ 4 V, the CPM ion density profiles show significant enhancement (over FCM) of "inner-sphere adsorbed" Li+ ions very close to the electrode surface. The ability of the CPM electrode to respond to local charge fluctuations in the electrolyte is seen to significantly lower the energy (and barrier) for the approach of Li+ ions to the electrode surface.

  15. Two-way communication for programming and measurement in a miniature implantable stimulator.

    PubMed

    Thil, M A; Gérard, B; Jarvis, J C; Delbeke, J

    2005-07-01

    Implantable stimulators are needed for chronic electrical stimulation of nerves and muscles in experimental studies. The device described exploits the versatility of current microcontrollers for stimulation and communication in a miniature implant. Their standard outputs can provide the required selectable constant-current sources. In this device, pre-programmed stimulation paradigms were selected by transcutaneous light pulses. The potential of a programmable integrated circuit (PIC) was thus exploited. Implantable devices must be biocompatible. A novel encapsulation method that require no specialised equipment and that used two classical encapsulants, silicone and Teflon was developed. It was tested for implantation periods of up to four weeks. A novel way to estimate electrode impedance in awake animals is also presented. It was thus possible to follow the evolution of the nerve-electrode interface and, if necessary, to adjust the stimulation parameters. In practice, the electrode voltage at the end of a known constant-current pulse was measured by the PIC. The binary coded value was then indicated to the user as a series of muscle twitches that represented the binary value of the impedance measurement. This neurostimulator has been successfully tested in vitro and in vivo. Thresholds and impedance values were chronically monitored following implantation of a self-sizing spiral cuff electrode. Impedance variations in the first weeks could reflect morphological changes usually observed after the implantation of such electrodes.

  16. The electrochemical behavior of poly 1-pyrenemethyl methacrylate binder and its effect on the interfacial chemistry of a silicon electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haregewoin, Atetegeb Meazah; Terborg, Lydia; Zhang, Liang; Jurng, Sunhyung; Lucht, Brett L.; Guo, Jinghua; Ross, Philip N.; Kostecki, Robert

    2018-02-01

    The physico-chemical properties of poly (1-pyrenemethyl methacrylate) (PPy) are presented with respect to its use as a binder in a Si composite anode for Li-ion batteries. PPy thin-films on Si(100) wafer and Cu model electrodes are shown to exhibit superior adhesion as compared to conventional polyvinylidene difluoride (PVdF) binder. Electrochemical testing of the model bi-layer PPy/Si(100) electrodes in a standard organic carbonate electrolyte reveal higher electrolyte reduction current and an overall irreversible cathodic charge consumption during initial cycling versus the uncoated Si electrode. The PPy thin-film is also shown to impede lithiation of the underlying Si. XAS, AFM, TGA and ATR-FTIR analysis indicated that PPy binder is both chemically and electrochemically stable in the cycling potential range however significant swelling is observed due to a selective uptake of diethyl carbonate (DEC) from the electrolyte. The increased concentration of DEC and depletion of ethylene carbonate (EC) at the Si/PPy interface leads to continuous decomposition of the electrolyte and results in non-passivating behavior of the Si(100)/PPy electrode as compared to pristine silicon. Consequently, PPy binder improves the mechanical integrity of composite Si anodes but it influences mass transport at the Si(100)/PPy interface and alters electrochemical response of silicon during cycling in an adverse manner.

  17. Synthesis and electrocatalytic activity of Au/Pt bimetallic nanodendrites for ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium.

    PubMed

    Han, Xinyi; Wang, Dawei; Liu, Dong; Huang, Jianshe; You, Tianyan

    2012-02-01

    Gold/Platinum (Au/Pt) bimetallic nanodendrites were successfully synthesized through seeded growth method using preformed Au nanodendrites as seeds and ascorbic acid as reductant. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of a series of Au/Pt nanodendrites modified electrodes in 1M KOH solution containing 1M ethanol showed that the electrocatalyst with a molar ratio (Au:Pt) of 3 exhibited the highest peak current density and the lowest onset potential. The peak current density of ethanol electro-oxidation on the Au(3)Pt(1) nanodendrites modified glassy carbon electrode (Au(3)Pt(1) electrode) is about 16, 12.5, and 4.5 times higher than those on the polycrystalline Pt electrode, polycrystalline Au electrode, and Au nanodendrites modified glassy carbon electrode (Au dendrites electrode), respectively. The oxidation peak potential of ethanol electro-oxidation on the Au(3)Pt(1) electrode is about 299 and 276 mV lower than those on the polycrystalline Au electrode and Au dendrites electrode, respectively. These results demonstrated that the Au/Pt bimetallic nanodendrites may find potential application in alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells (ADEFCs). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. All-Solid-State Sodium-Selective Electrode with a Solid Contact of Chitosan/Prussian Blue Nanocomposite

    PubMed Central

    Ghosh, Tanushree; Rieger, Jana

    2017-01-01

    Conventional ion-selective electrodes with a liquid junction have the disadvantage of potential drift. All-solid-state ion-selective electrodes with solid contact in between the metal electrode and the ion-selective membrane offer high capacitance or conductance to enhance potential stability. Solution-casted chitosan/Prussian blue nanocomposite (ChPBN) was employed as the solid contact layer for an all-solid-state sodium ion-selective electrode in a potentiometric sodium ion sensor. Morphological and chemical analyses confirmed that the ChPBN is a macroporous network of chitosan that contains abundant Prussian blue nanoparticles. Situated between a screen-printed carbon electrode and a sodium-ionophore-filled polyvinylchloride ion-selective membrane, the ChPBN layer exhibited high redox capacitance and fast charge transfer capability, which significantly enhanced the performance of the sodium ion-selective electrode. A good Nernstian response with a slope of 52.4 mV/decade in the linear range from 10−4–1 M of NaCl was observed. The stability of the electrical potential of the new solid contact was tested by chronopotentiometry, and the capacitance of the electrode was 154 ± 4 µF. The response stability in terms of potential drift was excellent (1.3 µV/h) for 20 h of continuous measurement. The ChPBN proved to be an efficient solid contact to enhance the potential stability of the all-solid-state ion-selective electrode. PMID:29099804

  19. Theory and Simulation of Electron Sheaths and Anode Spots in Low Pressure Laboratory Plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scheiner, Brett Stanford

    Electrodes in low pressure laboratory plasmas have a multitude of possible sheath structures when biased at a large positive potential. When the size of the electrode is small enough the electrode bias can be above the plasma potential. When this occurs an electron-rich sheath called an electron sheath is present at the electrode. Electron sheaths are most commonly found near Langmuir probes and other electrodes collecting the electron saturation current. Such electrodes have applications in the control of plasma parameters, dust confinement and circulation, control of scrape off layer plasmas, RF plasmas, and in plasma contactors and tethered space probes. The electron sheaths in these various systems most directly influence the plasma by determining how electron current is lost from the system. An understanding of how the electron sheath interfaces with the bulk plasma is necessary for understanding the behavior induced by positively biased electrodes in these plasmas. This thesis provides a dedicated theory of electron sheaths. Motivated by electron velocity distribution functions (EVDFs) observed in particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, a 1D model for the electron sheath and presheath is developed. In the presheath model, an electron pressure gradient accelerates electrons to near the electron thermal speed by the sheath edge. This pressure gradient generates large flow velocities compared to what would be generated by ballistic motion in response to the electric field. Using PIC simulations, the form of a sheath near a small electrode with bias near the plasma potential is also studied. When the electrode is biased near the plasma potential, the EVDFs exhibit a loss-cone type truncation due to fast electrons overcoming the small potential difference between the electrode and plasma. No sheath is present in this regime, instead the plasma remains quasineutral up to the electrode. Once the bias exceeds the plasma potential an electron sheath is present. In this case, 2D EVDFs indicate that the flow moment has comparable contributions from the flow shift and loss-cone truncation. The case of an electrode at large positive bias relative to the plasma potential is also studied. Here, the rate of electron impact ionization of neutrals increases near the electrode. If this ionization rate is great enough a double layer forms. This double layer can move outward separating a high potential plasma at the electrode surface from the bulk plasma. This phenomenon is known as an anode spot. Informed by observations from the first PIC simulations of an anode spot, a model has been developed describing the onset in which ionization leads to the buildup of positive space charge and the formation of a potential well that traps electrons near the electrode surface. A model for steady-state properties based on current loss, power, and particle balance of the anode spot plasma is also presented.

  20. Alkali metal ion battery with bimetallic electrode

    DOEpatents

    Boysen, Dane A; Bradwell, David J; Jiang, Kai; Kim, Hojong; Ortiz, Luis A; Sadoway, Donald R; Tomaszowska, Alina A; Wei, Weifeng; Wang, Kangli

    2015-04-07

    Electrochemical cells having molten electrodes having an alkali metal provide receipt and delivery of power by transporting atoms of the alkali metal between electrode environments of disparate chemical potentials through an electrochemical pathway comprising a salt of the alkali metal. The chemical potential of the alkali metal is decreased when combined with one or more non-alkali metals, thus producing a voltage between an electrode comprising the molten the alkali metal and the electrode comprising the combined alkali/non-alkali metals.

  1. [A Case of Left Vertebral Artery Aneurysm Showing Evoked Potentials on Bilateral Electrode by the Left Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Electromyographic Tracheal Tube].

    PubMed

    Kadoya, Tatsuo; Uehara, Hirofumi; Yamamoto, Toshinori; Shiraishi, Munehiro; Kinoshita, Yuki; Joyashiki, Takeshi; Enokida, Kengo

    2016-02-01

    Previously, we reported a case of brainstem cavernous hemangioma showing false positive responses to electromyographic tracheal tube (EMG tube). We concluded that the cause was spontaneous respiration accompanied by vocal cord movement. We report a case of left vertebral artery aneurysm showing evoked potentials on bilateral electrodes by the left vagus nerve stimulation to EMG tube. An 82-year-old woman underwent clipping of a left unruptured vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm. General anesthesia was induced with remifentanil, propofol and suxamethonium, and was maintained with oxygen, air, remifentanil and propofol. We monitored somatosensory evoked potentials, motor evoked potentials, and electromyogram of the vocal cord. When the manipulation reached brainstem and the instrument touched the left vagus nerve, evoked potentials appeared on bilateral electrodes. EMG tube is equipped with two electrodes on both sides. We concluded that the left vagus nerve stimulation generated evoked potentials of the left laryngeal muscles, and they were simultaneously detected as potential difference between two electrodes on both sides. EMG tube is used to identify the vagus nerve. However, it is necessary to bear in mind that each vagus nerve stimulation inevitably generates evoked potentials on bilateral electrodes.

  2. Electrical resistance tomography using steel cased boreholes as electrodes

    DOEpatents

    Daily, W.D.; Ramirez, A.L.

    1999-06-22

    An electrical resistance tomography method is described which uses steel cased boreholes as electrodes. The method enables mapping the electrical resistivity distribution in the subsurface from measurements of electrical potential caused by electrical currents injected into an array of electrodes in the subsurface. By use of current injection and potential measurement electrodes to generate data about the subsurface resistivity distribution, which data is then used in an inverse calculation, a model of the electrical resistivity distribution can be obtained. The inverse model may be constrained by independent data to better define an inverse solution. The method utilizes pairs of electrically conductive (steel) borehole casings as current injection electrodes and as potential measurement electrodes. The greater the number of steel cased boreholes in an array, the greater the amount of data is obtained. The steel cased boreholes may be utilized for either current injection or potential measurement electrodes. The subsurface model produced by this method can be 2 or 3 dimensional in resistivity depending on the detail desired in the calculated resistivity distribution and the amount of data to constrain the models. 2 figs.

  3. Electrical resistance tomography using steel cased boreholes as electrodes

    DOEpatents

    Daily, William D.; Ramirez, Abelardo L.

    1999-01-01

    An electrical resistance tomography method using steel cased boreholes as electrodes. The method enables mapping the electrical resistivity distribution in the subsurface from measurements of electrical potential caused by electrical currents injected into an array of electrodes in the subsurface. By use of current injection and potential measurement electrodes to generate data about the subsurface resistivity distribution, which data is then used in an inverse calculation, a model of the electrical resistivity distribution can be obtained. The inverse model may be constrained by independent data to better define an inverse solution. The method utilizes pairs of electrically conductive (steel) borehole casings as current injection electrodes and as potential measurement electrodes. The greater the number of steel cased boreholes in an array, the greater the amount of data is obtained. The steel cased boreholes may be utilized for either current injection or potential measurement electrodes. The subsurface model produced by this method can be 2 or 3 dimensional in resistivity depending on the detail desired in the calculated resistivity distribution and the amount of data to constain the models.

  4. Evaluation of a Ag/Ag 2S reference electrode with long-term stability for electrochemistry in ionic liquids

    DOE PAGES

    Horwood, Corie; Stadermann, Michael

    2018-02-08

    We report on a reference electrode designed for use in ionic liquids, based on a silver wire coated with silver sulfide. The reference electrode potential is determined by the concentrations of Ag + and S 2-, which are established by the solubility of the Ag 2S coating on the Ag wire. While potential shifts of >100 mV during an experiment have been reported when using silver or platinum wire quasi-reference electrodes, the reference electrode reported here provides a stable potential over several months of experimental use. Additionally, our reference electrode can be prepared and used in a normal air atmosphere,more » and does not need to be assembled and used in a glovebox, or protected from light. In conclusion, the reference electrode has been characterized by voltammetry measurements of ferrocene and cobaltocenium hexafluorophosphate, and was found to slowly drift to more positive potentials at a rate of <1 mV/day for five of the six ionic liquids investigated.« less

  5. Spatiotemporal electrochemical measurements across an electric double layer capacitor electrode with application to aqueous sodium hybrid batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tully, Katherine C.; Whitacre, Jay F.; Litster, Shawn

    2014-02-01

    This paper presents in-situ spatiotemporal measurements of the electrolyte phase potential within an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) negative electrode as envisaged for use in an aqueous hybrid battery for grid-scale energy storage. The ultra-thick electrodes used in these batteries to reduce non-functional material costs require sufficiently fast through-plane mass and charge transport to attain suitable charging and discharging rates. To better evaluate the through-plane transport, we have developed an electrode scaffold (ES) for making in situ electrolyte potential distribution measurements at discrete known distances across the thickness of an uninterrupted EDLC negative electrode. Using finite difference methods, we calculate local current, volumetric charging current and charge storage distributions from the spatiotemporal electrolyte potential measurements. These potential distributions provide insight into complex phenomena that cannot be directly observed using other existing methods. Herein, we use the distributions to identify areas of the electrode that are underutilized, assess the effects of various parameters on the cumulative charge storage distribution, and evaluate an effectiveness factor for charge storage in EDLC electrodes.

  6. Evaluation of a Ag/Ag 2S reference electrode with long-term stability for electrochemistry in ionic liquids

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Horwood, Corie; Stadermann, Michael

    We report on a reference electrode designed for use in ionic liquids, based on a silver wire coated with silver sulfide. The reference electrode potential is determined by the concentrations of Ag + and S 2-, which are established by the solubility of the Ag 2S coating on the Ag wire. While potential shifts of >100 mV during an experiment have been reported when using silver or platinum wire quasi-reference electrodes, the reference electrode reported here provides a stable potential over several months of experimental use. Additionally, our reference electrode can be prepared and used in a normal air atmosphere,more » and does not need to be assembled and used in a glovebox, or protected from light. In conclusion, the reference electrode has been characterized by voltammetry measurements of ferrocene and cobaltocenium hexafluorophosphate, and was found to slowly drift to more positive potentials at a rate of <1 mV/day for five of the six ionic liquids investigated.« less

  7. Simulation of electric double-layer capacitors: evaluation of constant potential method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Zhenxing; Laird, Brian; Yang, Yang; Olmsted, David; Asta, Mark

    2014-03-01

    Atomistic simulations can play an important role in understanding electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) at a molecular level. In such simulations, typically the electrode surface is modeled using fixed surface charges, which ignores the charge fluctuation induced by local fluctuations in the electrolyte solution. In this work we evaluate an explicit treatment of charges, namely constant potential method (CPM)[1], in which the electrode charges are dynamically updated to maintain constant electrode potential. We employ a model system with a graphite electrode and a LiClO4/acetonitrile electrolyte, examined as a function of electrode potential differences. Using various molecular and macroscopic properties as metrics, we compare CPM simulations on this system to results using fixed surface charges. Specifically, results for predicted capacity, electric potential gradient and solvent density profile are identical between the two methods; However, ion density profiles and solvation structure yield significantly different results.

  8. Pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes/SDS modified carbon paste electrode as an amperometric sensor for epinephrine.

    PubMed

    Thomas, Tony; Mascarenhas, Ronald J; D' Souza, Ozma J; Detriche, Simon; Mekhalif, Zineb; Martis, Praveen

    2014-07-01

    An amperometric sensor for the determination of epinephrine (EP) was fabricated by modifying the carbon paste electrode (CPE) with pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (pMWCNTs) using bulk modification followed by drop casting of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) onto the surface for its optimal potential application. The modified electrode showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards EP by decreasing the overpotential and greatly enhancing the current sensitivity. FE-SEM images confirmed the dispersion of pMWCNTs in the CPE matrix. EDX analysis ensured the surface coverage of SDS. A comparative study of pMWCNTs with those of oxidized MWCNTs (MWCNTsOX) modified electrodes reveals that the former is the best base material for the construction of the sensor with advantages of lower oxidation overpotential and the least background current. The performance of the modified electrode was impressive in terms of the least charge transfer resistance (Rct), highest values for diffusion coefficient (DEP) and standard heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k°). Analytical characterization of the modified electrode exhibited two linear dynamic ranges from 1.0×10(-7) to 1.0×10(-6)M and 1.0×10(-6) to 1.0×10(-4)M with a detection limit of (4.5±0.18)×10(-8)M. A 100-fold excess of serotonin, acetaminophen, folic acid, uric acid, tryptophan, tyrosine and cysteine, 10-fold excess of ascorbic acid and twofold excess of dopamine do not interfere in the quantification of EP at this electrode. The analytical applications of the modified electrode were demonstrated by determining EP in spiked blood serum and adrenaline tartrate injection. The modified electrode involves a simple fabrication procedure, minimum usage of the modifier, quick response, excellent stability, reproducibility and anti-fouling effects. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Traceability of pH measurements by glass electrode cells: performance characteristic of pH electrodes by multi-point calibration.

    PubMed

    Naumann, R; Alexander-Weber, Ch; Eberhardt, R; Giera, J; Spitzer, P

    2002-11-01

    Routine pH measurements are carried out with pH meter-glass electrode assemblies. In most cases the glass and reference electrodes are thereby fashioned into a single probe, the so-called 'combination electrode' or simply 'the pH electrode'. The use of these electrodes is subject to various effects, described below, producing uncertainties of unknown magnitude. Therefore, the measurement of pH of a sample requires a suitable calibration by certified standard buffer solutions (CRMs) traceable to primary pH standards. The procedures in use are based on calibrations at one point, at two points bracketing the sample pH and at a series of points, the so-called multi-point calibration. The multi-point calibration (MPC) is recommended if minimum uncertainty and maximum consistency are required over a wide range of unknown pH values. Details of uncertainty computations for the two-point and MPC procedure are given. Furthermore, the multi-point calibration is a useful tool to characterise the performance of pH electrodes. This is demonstrated with different commercial pH electrodes. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL is available if you access this article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00216-002-1506-5. On that page (frame on the left side), a link takes you directly to the supplementary material.

  10. Assessing the Electrode-Neuron Interface with the Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential, Electrode Position, and Behavioral Thresholds.

    PubMed

    DeVries, Lindsay; Scheperle, Rachel; Bierer, Julie Arenberg

    2016-06-01

    Variability in speech perception scores among cochlear implant listeners may largely reflect the variable efficacy of implant electrodes to convey stimulus information to the auditory nerve. In the present study, three metrics were applied to assess the quality of the electrode-neuron interface of individual cochlear implant channels: the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP), the estimation of electrode position using computerized tomography (CT), and behavioral thresholds using focused stimulation. The primary motivation of this approach is to evaluate the ECAP as a site-specific measure of the electrode-neuron interface in the context of two peripheral factors that likely contribute to degraded perception: large electrode-to-modiolus distance and reduced neural density. Ten unilaterally implanted adults with Advanced Bionics HiRes90k devices participated. ECAPs were elicited with monopolar stimulation within a forward-masking paradigm to construct channel interaction functions (CIF), behavioral thresholds were obtained with quadrupolar (sQP) stimulation, and data from imaging provided estimates of electrode-to-modiolus distance and scalar location (scala tympani (ST), intermediate, or scala vestibuli (SV)) for each electrode. The width of the ECAP CIF was positively correlated with electrode-to-modiolus distance; both of these measures were also influenced by scalar position. The ECAP peak amplitude was negatively correlated with behavioral thresholds. Moreover, subjects with low behavioral thresholds and large ECAP amplitudes, averaged across electrodes, tended to have higher speech perception scores. These results suggest a potential clinical role for the ECAP in the objective assessment of individual cochlear implant channels, with the potential to improve speech perception outcomes.

  11. Modeling deep brain stimulation: point source approximation versus realistic representation of the electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Tianhe C.; Grill, Warren M.

    2010-12-01

    Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as an effective treatment for movement disorders; however, the fundamental mechanisms by which DBS works are not well understood. Computational models of DBS can provide insights into these fundamental mechanisms and typically require two steps: calculation of the electrical potentials generated by DBS and, subsequently, determination of the effects of the extracellular potentials on neurons. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of using a point source electrode to approximate the DBS electrode when calculating the thresholds and spatial distribution of activation of a surrounding population of model neurons in response to monopolar DBS. Extracellular potentials in a homogenous isotropic volume conductor were calculated using either a point current source or a geometrically accurate finite element model of the Medtronic DBS 3389 lead. These extracellular potentials were coupled to populations of model axons, and thresholds and spatial distributions were determined for different electrode geometries and axon orientations. Median threshold differences between DBS and point source electrodes for individual axons varied between -20.5% and 9.5% across all orientations, monopolar polarities and electrode geometries utilizing the DBS 3389 electrode. Differences in the percentage of axons activated at a given amplitude by the point source electrode and the DBS electrode were between -9.0% and 12.6% across all monopolar configurations tested. The differences in activation between the DBS and point source electrodes occurred primarily in regions close to conductor-insulator interfaces and around the insulating tip of the DBS electrode. The robustness of the point source approximation in modeling several special cases—tissue anisotropy, a long active electrode and bipolar stimulation—was also examined. Under the conditions considered, the point source was shown to be a valid approximation for predicting excitation of populations of neurons in response to DBS.

  12. Approximations useful for the prediction of electrostatic discharges for simple electrode geometries

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Edmonds, L.

    1986-01-01

    The report provides approximations for estimating the capacitance and the ratio of electric field strength to potential for a certain class of electrode geometries. The geometry consists of an electrode near a grounded plane, with the electrode being a surface of revolution about the perpendicular to the plane. Some examples which show the accuracy of the capacitance estimate and the accuracy of the estimate of electric field over potential can be found in the appendix. When it is possible to estimate the potential of the electrode, knowing the ratio of electric field to potential will help to determine if an electrostatic discharge is likely to occur. Knowing the capacitance will help to determine the strength of the discharge (the energy released by it) if it does occur. A brief discussion of discharge mechanisms is given. The medium between the electrode and the grounded plane may be a neutral gas, a vacuum, or an unchanged homogeneous isotropic dielectric.

  13. Reduction of turbidity and chromium content of tannery wastewater by electrocoagulation process.

    PubMed

    2018-02-12

    The present study is carried out to remove the chromium and turbidity from tannery wastewater by the electrocoagulationprocess with aluminum electrodes. This experimental study is performed using a batch system. The applied pilot comprises a reactor containing two parallel metal electrodes (Al). The latter are connected as mono polar and a different potential is applied between them. Several working parameters, such as applied potential difference, electrolysis time, active electrode surface, inter-electrode distance and pH of the medium have been studied to achieve higher removal efficiency.The treatment achieved a maximum reduction of 99% for the turbidity and 93% for the chromium under the following conditions: a potential difference: 15V; electrodes surface: 45cm2, inter-electrode distance: 1cm; raw water pH (6.1) and a contact time of 90 min. Considering the obtained efficiency in the present study, electrocoagulation process has the potential to be utilized for the cost-effective removal of pollutants from wastewater.

  14. Recording and assessment of evoked potentials with electrode arrays.

    PubMed

    Miljković, N; Malešević, N; Kojić, V; Bijelić, G; Keller, T; Popović, D B

    2015-09-01

    In order to optimize procedure for the assessment of evoked potentials and to provide visualization of the flow of action potentials along the motor systems, we introduced array electrodes for stimulation and recording and developed software for the analysis of the recordings. The system uses a stimulator connected to an electrode array for the generation of evoked potentials, an electrode array connected to the amplifier, A/D converter and computer for the recording of evoked potentials, and a dedicated software application. The method has been tested for the assessment of the H-reflex on the triceps surae muscle in six healthy humans. The electrode array with 16 pads was positioned over the posterior aspect of the thigh, while the recording electrode array with 16 pads was positioned over the triceps surae muscle. The stimulator activated all the pads of the stimulation electrode array asynchronously, while the signals were recorded continuously at all the recording sites. The results are topography maps (spatial distribution of evoked potentials) and matrices (spatial visualization of nerve excitability). The software allows the automatic selection of the lowest stimulation intensity to achieve maximal H-reflex amplitude and selection of the recording/stimulation pads according to predefined criteria. The analysis of results shows that the method provides rich information compared with the conventional recording of the H-reflex with regard the spatial distribution.

  15. A nonmonotonic dependence of standard rate constant on reorganization energy for heterogeneous electron transfer processes on electrode surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Weilin; Li, Songtao; Zhou, Xiaochun; Xing, Wei; Huang, Mingyou; Lu, Tianhong; Liu, Changpeng

    2006-05-01

    In the present work a nonmonotonic dependence of standard rate constant (k0) on reorganization energy (λ) was discovered qualitatively from electron transfer (Marcus-Hush-Levich) theory for heterogeneous electron transfer processes on electrode surface. It was found that the nonmonotonic dependence of k0 on λ is another result, besides the disappearance of the famous Marcus inverted region, coming from the continuum of electronic states in electrode: with the increase of λ, the states for both Process I and Process II ET processes all vary from nonadiabatic to adiabatic state continuously, and the λ dependence of k0 for Process I is monotonic thoroughly, while for Process II on electrode surface the λ dependence of k0 could show a nonmonotonicity.

  16. Double-plasma enhanced carbon shield for spatial/interfacial controlled electrodes in lithium ion batteries via micro-sized silicon from wafer waste

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Bing-Hong; Chuang, Shang-I.; Duh, Jenq-Gong

    2016-11-01

    Using spatial and interfacial control, the micro-sized silicon waste from wafer slurry could greatly increase its retention potential as a green resource for silicon-based anode in lithium ion batteries. Through step by step spatial and interfacial control for electrode, the cyclability of recycled waste gains potential performance from its original poor retention property. In the stages of spatial control, the electrode stabilizers of active, inactive and conductive additives were mixed into slurries for maintaining architecture and conductivity of electrode. In addition, a fusion electrode modification of interfacial control combines electrolyte additive, technique of double-plasma enhanced carbon shield (D-PECS) to convert the chemical bond states and to alter the formation of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) in the first cycle. The depth profiles of chemical composition from external into internal electrode illustrate that the fusion electrode modification not only forms a boundary to balance the interface between internal and external electrodes but also stabilizes the SEIs formation and soothe the expansion of micro-sized electrode. Through these effect approaches, the performance of micro-sized Si waste electrode can be boosted from its serious capacity degradation to potential retention (200 cycles, 1100 mAh/g) and better meet the requirements for facile and cost-effective in industrial production.

  17. Method and apparatus for simultaneous spectroelectrochemical analysis

    DOEpatents

    Chatterjee, Sayandev; Bryan, Samuel A; Schroll, Cynthia A; Heineman, William R

    2013-11-19

    An apparatus and method of simultaneous spectroelectrochemical analysis is disclosed. A transparent surface is provided. An analyte solution on the transparent surface is contacted with a working electrode and at least one other electrode. Light from a light source is focused on either a surface of the working electrode or the analyte solution. The light reflected from either the surface of the working electrode or the analyte solution is detected. The potential of the working electrode is adjusted, and spectroscopic changes of the analyte solution that occur with changes in thermodynamic potentials are monitored.

  18. Coplanar asymmetrical reduced graphene oxide-titanium electrodes for polymer photodetectors.

    PubMed

    Pang, Shuping; Yang, Shubin; Feng, Xinliang; Müllen, Klaus

    2012-03-22

    Narrow gaps and a "built-in" potential originating from the different work functions of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and titanium electrodes are used to explain the improved photosensitivity of the poly(3-hexylthiophene) photodetectors with asymmetrical RGO-Ti electrodes presented here compared to those based on symmetrical electrodes. Easy processing, high photosensitivity, high on/off ratio, and low energy consumption contribute to the promising potential of coplanar asymmetrical electrodes in the field of photoelectric devices. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  19. Liquid electrode

    DOEpatents

    Ekechukwu, Amy A.

    1994-01-01

    A dropping electrolyte electrode for use in electrochemical analysis of non-polar sample solutions, such as benzene or cyclohexane. The liquid electrode, preferably an aqueous salt solution immiscible in the sample solution, is introduced into the solution in dropwise fashion from a capillary. The electrolyte is introduced at a known rate, thus, the droplets each have the same volume and surface area. The electrode is used in making standard electrochemical measurements in order to determine properties of non-polar sample solutions.

  20. Enhancement in ion adsorption rate and desalination efficiency in a capacitive deionization cell through improved electric field distribution using electrodes composed of activated carbon cloth coated with zinc oxide nanorods.

    PubMed

    Laxman, Karthik; Myint, Myo Tay Zar; Bourdoucen, Hadj; Dutta, Joydeep

    2014-07-09

    Electrodes composed of activated carbon cloth (ACC) coated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods are compared with plain ACC electrodes, with respect to their desalination efficiency of a 17 mM NaCl solution at different applied potentials. Polarization of the ZnO nanorods increased the penetration depth and strength of the electric field between the electrodes, leading to an increase in the capacitance and charge efficiency at reduced input charge ratios. Uniform distribution of the electric field lines between two electrodes coated with ZnO nanorods led to faster ion adsorption rates, reduced the electrode saturation time, and increased the average desalination efficiency by ∼45% for all applied potentials. The electrodes were characterized for active surface area, capacitance from cyclic voltammetry, theoretical assessment of surface area utilization, and the magnitude of electric field force acting on an ion of unit charge for each potential.

  1. DNA biosensor for detection of Salmonella typhi from blood sample of typhoid fever patient using gold electrode modified by self-assembled monolayers of thiols

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suryapratiwi, Windha Novita; Paat, Vlagia Indira; Gaffar, Shabarni; Hartati, Yeni Wahyuni

    2017-05-01

    Electrochemical biosensors are currently being developed in order to handle various clinical problems in diagnosing infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria, or viruses. On this research, voltammetric DNA biosensor using gold electrode modified by thiols with self-assembled monolayers had been developed to detect a certain sequence of Salmonella typhi DNA from blood sample of typhoid fever patient. Thiol groups of cysteamines (Cys) and aldehyde groups from glutaraldehydes (Glu) were used as a link to increase the performance of gold electrode in detecting guanine oxidation signal of hybridized S. typhi DNA and ssDNA probe. Standard calibration method was used to determine analytical parameters from the measurements. The result shown that, the detection of S. typhi DNA from blood sample of typhoid fever patient can be carried out by voltammetry using gold electrode modified by self-assembled monolayers of thiols. A characteristic oxidation potential of guanine using Au/Cys/Gluwas obtained at +0.17 until +0.20 V. Limit of detection and limit of quantification from this measurements were 1.91μg mL-1 and 6.35 μg mL-1. The concentration of complement DNA from sample was 6.96 μg mL-1.

  2. 3D direct writing fabrication of electrodes for electrochemical storage devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wei, Min; Zhang, Feng; Wang, Wei; Alexandridis, Paschalis; Zhou, Chi; Wu, Gang

    2017-06-01

    Among different printing techniques, direct ink writing is commonly used to fabricate 3D battery and supercapacitor electrodes. The major advantages of using the direct ink writing include effectively building 3D structure for energy storage devices and providing higher power density and higher energy density than traditional techniques due to the increased surface area of electrode. Nevertheless, direct ink writing has high standards for the printing inks, which requires high viscosity, high yield stress under shear and compression, and well-controlled viscoelasticity. Recently, a number of 3D-printed energy storage devices have been reported, and it is very important to understand the printing process and the ink preparation process for further material design and technology development. We discussed current progress of direct ink writing technologies by using various electrode materials including carbon nanotube-based material, graphene-based material, LTO (Li4Ti5O12), LFP (LiFePO4), LiMn1-xFexPO4, and Zn-based metallic oxide. Based on achieve electrochemical performance, these 3D-printed devices deliver performance comparable to the energy storage device fabricated using traditional methods still leaving large room for further improvement. Finally, perspectives are provided on the potential future direction of 3D printing for all solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices.

  3. Redox potential - field measurements - meassured vs. expected values

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stavělová, Monika; Kovář, Martin

    2016-04-01

    Oxidation and reduction (redox) potential is an important and theoretically very well defined parameter and can be calculated accurately. Its value is determinative for management of many electrochemical processes, chemical redox technologies as well as biotechnologies. To measure the redox value that would correspond with the accuracy level of theoretical calculations in field or operational conditions is however nearly impossible. Redox is in practice measured using combined argentochloride electrode with subsequent value conversion to standard hydrogen electrode (EH). Argentochloride electrode does not allow for precise calibration. Prior to the measurement the accuracy of measurement of particular electrode can only be verified in comparative/control solution with value corresponding with oxic conditions (25°C: +220 mV argentochloride electrode, i.e.. +427 mV after conversion to EH). A commercial product of stabile comparative solution for anoxic conditions is not available and therefore not used in every day practice - accuracy of negative redox is not verified. In this presentation results of two tests will be presented: a) monitoring during dynamic groundwater sampling from eight monitoring wells at a site contaminated by chlorinated ethenes (i.e. post-oxic to anoxic conditions) and b) laboratory test of groundwater contaminated by arsenic from two sites during reaction with highly oxidized compounds of iron (ferrates) - i.e. strongly oxic conditions. In both tests a simultaneous measurement by four argentochloride electrodes was implemented - all four electrodes were prior to the test maintained expertly. The redox values of testing electrodes in a comparative solution varied by max. 6 mV. The redox values measured by four electrodes in both anoxic and oxic variant varied by tens to a hundred mV, while with growing time of test the variance of measured redox values increased in both oxic and anoxic variant. Therefore the interpretation of measured redox data must be approached keeping in mind that their accuracy does not correspond with theoretical calculations and their values must be assessed in combination with other parameters - e.g. in case of interpretations of measured redox during remediation of contaminated sites it is appropriate to assess these values together with determined concentrations of significant terminal electron acceptors (TEA) whose laboratory determination is more accurate (NO3-, NO2-, Fe2+,Mn2+ , SO42-, H2S+S2-,CH4….). Acknowledgement: This study has been funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic within the research project Nanobiowat (No. TE01010218), and by AECOM CZ, s.r.o.

  4. Microfabrication, characterization and in vivo MRI compatibility of diamond microelectrodes array for neural interfacing.

    PubMed

    Hébert, Clément; Warnking, Jan; Depaulis, Antoine; Garçon, Laurie Amandine; Mermoux, Michel; Eon, David; Mailley, Pascal; Omnès, Franck

    2015-01-01

    Neural interfacing still requires highly stable and biocompatible materials, in particular for in vivo applications. Indeed, most of the currently used materials are degraded and/or encapsulated by the proximal tissue leading to a loss of efficiency. Here, we considered boron doped diamond microelectrodes to address this issue and we evaluated the performances of a diamond microelectrode array. We described the microfabrication process of the device and discuss its functionalities. We characterized its electrochemical performances by cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy in saline buffer and observed the typical diamond electrode electrochemical properties, wide potential window and low background current, allowing efficient electrochemical detection. The charge storage capacitance and the modulus of the electrochemical impedance were found to remain in the same range as platinum electrodes used for standard commercial devices. Finally we observed a reduced Magnetic Resonance Imaging artifact when the device was implanted on a rat cortex, suggesting that boron doped-diamond is a very promising electrode material allowing functional imaging. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Carbon nanotube/poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) composite electrode for capillary electrophoretic determination of esculin and esculetin in Cortex Fraxini.

    PubMed

    Chen, Zhi; Zhang, Luyan; Chen, Gang

    2009-10-01

    In this report, a novel carbon nanotube/poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (CNT/EVA) composite electrode was developed for the amperometric detection in CE. The composite electrode was fabricated by packing a mixture of CNTs and melted EVA in a piece of fused-silica capillary under heat. It was coupled with CE for the separation and detection of esculin and esculetin in Cortex Fraxini, a traditional Chinese medicine, to demonstrate its feasibility and performance. Esculin and esculetin have been well separated within 9 min in a 40 cm long capillary at a separation voltage of 12 kV using a 50 mM borate buffer (pH 9.2). The new CNT-based CE detector offered significantly lower detection potentials, yielded enhanced S/N characteristics, and exhibited high resistance to surface fouling and enhanced stability. It showed long-term stability and reproducibility with relative standard deviations of less than 5% for the peak current (n=15) and should also find a wide range of applications in other microfluidic analysis systems.

  6. Simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry based on graphite nanofibers-Nafion composite modified bismuth film electrode.

    PubMed

    Li, Dongyue; Jia, Jianbo; Wang, Jianguo

    2010-12-15

    A bismuth-film modified graphite nanofibers-Nafion glassy carbon electrode (BiF/GNFs-NA/GCE) was constructed for the simultaneous determination of trace Cd(II) and Pb(II). The electrochemical properties and applications of the modified electrode were studied. Operational parameters such as deposition potential, deposition time, and bismuth ion concentration were optimized for the purpose of determination of trace metal ions in 0.10 M acetate buffer solution (pH 4.5). Under optimal conditions, based on three times the standard deviation of the baseline, the limits of detection were 0.09 μg L(-1) for Cd(II) and 0.02 μg L(-1) for Pb(II) with a 10 min preconcentration. In addition, the BiF/GNFs-NA/GCE displayed good reproducibility and selectivity, making it suitable for the simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in real sample such as river water and human blood samples. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Lipoxygenase-modified Ru-bpy/graphene oxide: Electrochemical biosensor for on-farm monitoring of non-esterified fatty acid.

    PubMed

    Veerapandian, Murugan; Hunter, Robert; Neethirajan, Suresh

    2016-04-15

    Elevated concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in biological fluids are recognized as critical biomarkers for early diagnosis of dairy cow metabolic diseases. Herein, a cost-effective, electrochemically active, and bio-friendly sensor element based on ruthenium bipyridyl complex-modified graphene oxide nanosheets ([Ru(bpy)3](2+)-GO) is proposed as a biosensor platform for NEFA detection. Electrochemical analysis demonstrates that the [Ru(bpy)3](2+)-GO electrodes exhibit superior and durable redox properties compared to the pristine carbon and GO electrodes. Target specificity is accomplished through immobilization of the enzyme, lipoxygenase, which catalyzes the production of redox active species from NEFA. Lipoxygenases retain their catalytic ability upon immobilization and exhibit changes to amperometric signals upon interaction with various concentrations of standard NEFA and serum samples. Our study demonstrates that the [Ru(bpy)3](2+)-GO electrode has the potential to serve as a biosensor platform for developing a field deployable, rapid, and user-friendly detection tool for on-farm monitoring of dairy cow metabolic diseases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Commercialisation of CMOS Integrated Circuit Technology in Multi-Electrode Arrays for Neuroscience and Cell-Based Biosensors

    PubMed Central

    Graham, Anthony H. D.; Robbins, Jon; Bowen, Chris R.; Taylor, John

    2011-01-01

    The adaptation of standard integrated circuit (IC) technology as a transducer in cell-based biosensors in drug discovery pharmacology, neural interface systems and electrophysiology requires electrodes that are electrochemically stable, biocompatible and affordable. Unfortunately, the ubiquitous Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) IC technology does not meet the first of these requirements. For devices intended only for research, modification of CMOS by post-processing using cleanroom facilities has been achieved. However, to enable adoption of CMOS as a basis for commercial biosensors, the economies of scale of CMOS fabrication must be maintained by using only low-cost post-processing techniques. This review highlights the methodologies employed in cell-based biosensor design where CMOS-based integrated circuits (ICs) form an integral part of the transducer system. Particular emphasis will be placed on the application of multi-electrode arrays for in vitro neuroscience applications. Identifying suitable IC packaging methods presents further significant challenges when considering specific applications. The various challenges and difficulties are reviewed and some potential solutions are presented. PMID:22163884

  9. Deep Brain Stimulation of Heschl Gyrus: Implantation Technique, Intraoperative Localization, and Effects of Stimulation.

    PubMed

    Donovan, Chris; Sweet, Jennifer; Eccher, Matthew; Megerian, Cliff; Semaan, Maroun; Murray, Gail; Miller, Jonathan

    2015-12-01

    Tinnitus is a source of considerable morbidity, and neuromodulation has been shown to be a potential treatment option. However, the location of the primary auditory cortex within Heschl gyrus in the temporal operculum presents challenges for targeting and electrode implantation. To determine whether anatomic targeting with intraoperative verification using evoked potentials can be used to implant electrodes directly into the Heschl gyrus (HG). Nine patients undergoing stereo-electroencephalogram evaluation for epilepsy were enrolled. HG was directly targeted on volumetric magnetic resonance imaging, and framed stereotaxy was used to implant an electrode parallel to the axis of the gyrus by using an oblique anterolateral-posteromedial trajectory. Intraoperative evoked potentials from auditory stimuli were recorded from multiple electrode contacts. Postoperatively, stimulation of each electrode was performed and participants were asked to describe the percept. Audiometric analysis was performed for 2 participants during subthreshold stimulation. Sounds presented to the contralateral and ipsilateral ears produced evoked potentials in HG electrodes in all participants intraoperatively. Stimulation produced a reproducible sensation of sound in all participants with perceived volume proportional to amplitude. Four participants reported distinct sounds when different electrodes were stimulated, with more medial contacts producing tones perceived as higher in pitch. Stimulation was not associated with adverse audiometric effects. There were no complications of electrode implantation. Direct anatomic targeting with physiological verification can be used to implant electrodes directly into primary auditory cortex. If deep brain stimulation proves effective for intractable tinnitus, this technique may be useful to assist with electrode implantation. DBS, deep brain stimulatorEEG, electroencephalographyHG, Heschl gyrus.

  10. Silver-silver sulfate reference electrodes for use in lead-acid batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ruetschi, Paul

    Electrochemical properties of silver-silver sulfate reference electrodes for lead-acid batteries are described, and the following possible applications discussed: Determination of individual capacities of positive and negative plates. Monitoring individual electrode behavior during deep discharge and cell reversal. Optimization charge or discharge parameters, by controlling the current such that pre-determined limits of positive or negative half-cell potential are respected. Observation of acid concentration differences, for example due to acid stratification, by measuring diffusion potentials (concentration-cell voltages). Detection of defective cells, and defective plate sets, in a string of cells, at the end of their service life. Silver-silver sulfate reference electrodes, permanently installed in lead-acid cells, may be a means to improve battery management, and therewith to improve reliability and service life. In vented batteries, reference electrodes may be used to limit positive plate polarization during charge, or float-charge. Limiting the positive half-cell potential to an upper, pre-set value would permit to keep anodic corrosion as low as possible. During cycling, discharge could be terminated when the half-cell potential of the positive electrode has dropped to a pre-set limit. This would prevent excessive discharge of the positive electrodes, which could result in an improvement of cycle life. In valve-regulated batteries, reference electrodes may be used to adjust float-charge conditions such as to assure sufficient cathodic polarization of the negative electrodes, in order to avoid sulfation. The use of such reference electrodes could be beneficial particularly in multi-cell batteries, with overall voltages above 12 V, operated in a partial-state-of-charge.

  11. Brief review: Preparation techniques of biomass based activated carbon monolith electrode for supercapacitor applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taer, Erman; Taslim, Rika

    2018-02-01

    The synthesis of activated carbon monolith electrode made from a biomass material using the hydrolytic pressure or the pelletization technique of pre-carbonized materials is one of standard reported methods. Several steps such as pre-carbonization, milling, chemical activation, hydraulic press, carbonization, physical activation, polishing and washing need to be accomplished in the production of electrodes by this method. This is relatively a long process that need to be simplified. In this paper we present the standard method and proceed with the introduction to several alternative methods in the synthesis of activated carbon monolith electrodes. The alternative methods were emphasized on the selection of suitable biomass materials. All of carbon electrodes prepared by different methods will be analyzed for physical and electrochemical properties. The density, degree of crystallinity, surface morphology are examples for physical study and specific capacitance was an electrochemical properties that has been analysed. This alternative method has offered a specific capacitance in the range of 10 to 171 F/g.

  12. Real-time combustion control and diagnostics sensor-pressure oscillation monitor

    DOEpatents

    Chorpening, Benjamin T [Morgantown, WV; Thornton, Jimmy [Morgantown, WV; Huckaby, E David [Morgantown, WV; Richards, George A [Morgantown, WV

    2009-07-14

    An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling the combustion process in a combustion system to determine the amplitude and/or frequencies of dynamic pressure oscillations during combustion. An electrode in communication with the combustion system senses hydrocarbon ions and/or electrons produced by the combustion process and calibration apparatus calibrates the relationship between the standard deviation of the current in the electrode and the amplitudes of the dynamic pressure oscillations by applying a substantially constant voltage between the electrode and ground resulting in a current in the electrode and by varying one or more of (1) the flow rate of the fuel, (2) the flow rate of the oxidant, (3) the equivalence ratio, (4) the acoustic tuning of the combustion system, and (5) the fuel distribution in the combustion chamber such that the amplitudes of the dynamic pressure oscillations in the combustion chamber are calculated as a function of the standard deviation of the electrode current. Thereafter, the supply of fuel and/or oxidant is varied to modify the dynamic pressure oscillations.

  13. Liquid electrode

    DOEpatents

    Ekechukwu, A.A.

    1994-07-05

    A dropping electrolyte electrode is described for use in electrochemical analysis of non-polar sample solutions, such as benzene or cyclohexane. The liquid electrode, preferably an aqueous salt solution immiscible in the sample solution, is introduced into the solution in dropwise fashion from a capillary. The electrolyte is introduced at a known rate, thus, the droplets each have the same volume and surface area. The electrode is used in making standard electrochemical measurements in order to determine properties of non-polar sample solutions. 2 figures.

  14. A comparison of tripolar concentric ring electrode and spline Laplacians on a four-layer concentric spherical model.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiang; Makeyev, Oleksandr; Besio, Walter

    2011-01-01

    We have simulated a four-layer concentric spherical head model. We calculated the spline and tripolar Laplacian estimates and compared them to the analytical Laplacian on the spherical surface. In the simulations we used five different dipole groups and two electrode configurations. The comparison shows that the tripolar Laplacian has higher correlation coefficient to the analytical Laplacian in the electrode configurations tested (19, standard 10/20 locations and 64 electrodes).

  15. Influence of Electric Fields on Biofouling of Carbonaceous Electrodes.

    PubMed

    Pandit, Soumya; Shanbhag, Sneha; Mauter, Meagan; Oren, Yoram; Herzberg, Moshe

    2017-09-05

    Biofouling commonly occurs on carbonaceous capacitive deionization electrodes in the process of treating natural waters. Although previous work reported the effect of electric fields on bacterial mortality for a variety of medical and engineered applications, the effect of electrode surface properties and the magnitude and polarity of applied electric fields on biofilm development has not been comprehensively investigated. This paper studies the formation of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm on a Papyex graphite (PA) and a carbon aerogel (CA) in the presence and the absence of an electric field. The experiments were conducted using a two-electrode flow cell with a voltage window of ±0.9 V. The CA was less susceptible to biofilm formation compared to the PA due to its lower surface roughness, lower hydrophobicity, and significant antimicrobial properties. For both positive and negative applied potentials, we observed an inverse relationship between biofilm formation and the magnitude of the applied potential. The effect is particularly strong for the CA electrodes and may be a result of cumulative effects between material toxicity and the stress experienced by cells at high applied potentials. Under the applied potentials for both electrodes, high production of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) was indicative of bacterial stress. For both electrodes, the elevated specific ROS activity was lowest for the open circuit potential condition, elevated when cathodically and anodically polarized, and highest for the ±0.9 V cases. These high applied potentials are believed to affect the redox potential across the cell membrane and disrupt redox homeostasis, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth.

  16. Operando Spectroscopic Microscopy of LiCoO 2 Cathodes Outside Standard Operating Potentials

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nelson Weker, Johanna; Wise, Anna M.; Lim, Kipil

    LiCoO 2 can experience over-lithiation (over-discharge) in an electrochemical cell due to poor battery management, failure such as a short circuit, or when LiCoO 2 is utilized as a negative electrode conversion material. Furthermore, in order to understand the chemical and morphological changes which occur during over-lithiation, LiCoO 2 electrodes were studied during deep discharge to 0.8 V with operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy and spectroscopic X-ray microscopy. During over-lithiation, micron-sized LiCoO 2 particles suffer significant cracking, pulverization and an incomplete conversion to Co metal. These irreversible morphological and structural changes then inflict permanent damage on the cathode even during amore » single over-lithiation event and highlight the need for more sophisticated battery management systems.« less

  17. Operando Spectroscopic Microscopy of LiCoO 2 Cathodes Outside Standard Operating Potentials

    DOE PAGES

    Nelson Weker, Johanna; Wise, Anna M.; Lim, Kipil; ...

    2017-07-14

    LiCoO 2 can experience over-lithiation (over-discharge) in an electrochemical cell due to poor battery management, failure such as a short circuit, or when LiCoO 2 is utilized as a negative electrode conversion material. Furthermore, in order to understand the chemical and morphological changes which occur during over-lithiation, LiCoO 2 electrodes were studied during deep discharge to 0.8 V with operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy and spectroscopic X-ray microscopy. During over-lithiation, micron-sized LiCoO 2 particles suffer significant cracking, pulverization and an incomplete conversion to Co metal. These irreversible morphological and structural changes then inflict permanent damage on the cathode even during amore » single over-lithiation event and highlight the need for more sophisticated battery management systems.« less

  18. Cellobiose Dehydrogenase Aryl Diazonium Modified Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Enhanced Direct Electron Transfer through a Positively Charged Surface

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    One of the challenges in the field of biosensors and biofuel cells is to establish a highly efficient electron transfer rate between the active site of redox enzymes and electrodes to fully access the catalytic potential of the biocatalyst and achieve high current densities. We report on very efficient direct electron transfer (DET) between cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) from Phanerochaete sordida (PsCDH) and surface modified single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). Sonicated SWCNTs were adsorbed on the top of glassy carbon electrodes and modified with aryl diazonium salts generated in situ from p-aminobenzoic acid and p-phenylenediamine, thus featuring at acidic pH (3.5 and 4.5) negative or positive surface charges. After adsorption of PsCDH, both electrode types showed excellent long-term stability and very efficient DET. The modified electrode presenting p-aminophenyl groups produced a DET current density of 500 μA cm−2 at 200 mV vs normal hydrogen reference electrode (NHE) in a 5 mM lactose solution buffered at pH 3.5. This is the highest reported DET value so far using a CDH modified electrode and comes close to electrodes using mediated electron transfer. Moreover, the onset of the electrocatalytic current for lactose oxidation started at 70 mV vs NHE, a potential which is 50 mV lower compared to when unmodified SWCNTs were used. This effect potentially reduces the interference by oxidizable matrix components in biosensors and increases the open circuit potential in biofuel cells. The stability of the electrode was greatly increased compared with unmodified but cross-linked SWCNTs electrodes and lost only 15% of the initial current after 50 h of constant potential scanning. PMID:21417322

  19. Cellobiose dehydrogenase aryl diazonium modified single walled carbon nanotubes: enhanced direct electron transfer through a positively charged surface.

    PubMed

    Tasca, Federico; Harreither, Wolfgang; Ludwig, Roland; Gooding, John Justin; Gorton, Lo

    2011-04-15

    One of the challenges in the field of biosensors and biofuel cells is to establish a highly efficient electron transfer rate between the active site of redox enzymes and electrodes to fully access the catalytic potential of the biocatalyst and achieve high current densities. We report on very efficient direct electron transfer (DET) between cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) from Phanerochaete sordida (PsCDH) and surface modified single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). Sonicated SWCNTs were adsorbed on the top of glassy carbon electrodes and modified with aryl diazonium salts generated in situ from p-aminobenzoic acid and p-phenylenediamine, thus featuring at acidic pH (3.5 and 4.5) negative or positive surface charges. After adsorption of PsCDH, both electrode types showed excellent long-term stability and very efficient DET. The modified electrode presenting p-aminophenyl groups produced a DET current density of 500 μA cm(-2) at 200 mV vs normal hydrogen reference electrode (NHE) in a 5 mM lactose solution buffered at pH 3.5. This is the highest reported DET value so far using a CDH modified electrode and comes close to electrodes using mediated electron transfer. Moreover, the onset of the electrocatalytic current for lactose oxidation started at 70 mV vs NHE, a potential which is 50 mV lower compared to when unmodified SWCNTs were used. This effect potentially reduces the interference by oxidizable matrix components in biosensors and increases the open circuit potential in biofuel cells. The stability of the electrode was greatly increased compared with unmodified but cross-linked SWCNTs electrodes and lost only 15% of the initial current after 50 h of constant potential scanning. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  20. A nonmonotonic dependence of standard rate constant on reorganization energy for heterogeneous electron transfer processes on electrode surface

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Xu Weilin; Li Songtao; Zhou Xiaochun

    2006-05-07

    In the present work a nonmonotonic dependence of standard rate constant (k{sup 0}) on reorganization energy ({lambda}) was discovered qualitatively from electron transfer (Marcus-Hush-Levich) theory for heterogeneous electron transfer processes on electrode surface. It was found that the nonmonotonic dependence of k{sup 0} on {lambda} is another result, besides the disappearance of the famous Marcus inverted region, coming from the continuum of electronic states in electrode: with the increase of {lambda}, the states for both Process I and Process II ET processes all vary from nonadiabatic to adiabatic state continuously, and the {lambda} dependence of k{sup 0} for Process Imore » is monotonic thoroughly, while for Process II on electrode surface the {lambda} dependence of k{sup 0} could show a nonmonotonicity.« less

  1. Storage battery aspects of air-electrode research

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buzelli, E. S.; Berk, L. B.; Demczyk, B. G.; Zuckerbrod, D.

    The use of air electrodes in secondary, alkaline energy storage systems offers several significant advantages over other conventional cathode systems. The oxygen, required for operation, is not stored or carried within the battery system. The weight of the air electrode is significantly lower than alternative cathode couples for the same mission. The cost of the air electrode is potentially low. As a result of these characteristics, alkaline electrolyte energy storage systems with air electrodes have the potential for achieving energy density levels in excess of 150 Whr/kg at low costs, $30-$40/kWh. The primary key to a successful metal-air secondary battery for an EV application is the development of a bifunctinal air electrode. This paper discusses the various aspects of air electrode research for this application, as well as the physical and performance requirements of the air electrode in this advanced technology battery system.

  2. Storage battery aspects of air-electrode research

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Buzzelli, E.S.; Berk, L.B.; Demczyk, B.G.

    1983-08-01

    The use of air electrodes in secondary, alkaline energy storage systems offers several significant advantages over other conventional cathode systems. The oxygen, required for operation, is not stored or carried within the battery system. The weight of the air electrode is significantly lower than alternative cathode couples for the same mission. The cost of the air electrode is potentially low. As a result of these characteristics, alkaline electrolyte energy storage systems with air electrodes have the potential for achieving energy density levels in excess of 150 Whr/kg at low costs, $30-$40/kWh. The primary key to a successful metal-air secondary batterymore » for an EV application is the development of a bifunctional air electrode. This paper discusses the various aspects of air electrode research for this application, as well as the physical and performance requirements of the air electrode in this advanced technology battery system.« less

  3. Development of the Glass Electrode and the pH Response

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Graham, Daniel J.; Jaselskis, Bruno; Moore, Carl E.

    2013-01-01

    The glass electrode is the most commonly used device to access the pH of an aqueous solution. It attains highly accurate measurements via simple and well-established procedures. However, the reasons why the glass electrode potential scales with hydrogen ion concentration according to almost Nernstian potential values have been long-standing…

  4. Study of the optimum level of electrode placement for the evaluation of absolute lung resistivity with the Mk3.5 EIT system.

    PubMed

    Nebuya, S; Noshiro, M; Yonemoto, A; Tateno, S; Brown, B H; Smallwood, R H; Milnes, P

    2006-05-01

    Inter-subject variability has caused the majority of previous electrical impedance tomography (EIT) techniques to focus on the derivation of relative or difference measures of in vivo tissue resistivity. Implicit in these techniques is the requirement for a reference or previously defined data set. This study assesses the accuracy and optimum electrode placement strategy for a recently developed method which estimates an absolute value of organ resistivity without recourse to a reference data set. Since this measurement of tissue resistivity is absolute, in Ohm metres, it should be possible to use EIT measurements for the objective diagnosis of lung diseases such as pulmonary oedema and emphysema. However, the stability and reproducibility of the method have not yet been investigated fully. To investigate these problems, this study used a Sheffield Mk3.5 system which was configured to operate with eight measurement electrodes. As a result of this study, the absolute resistivity measurement was found to be insensitive to the electrode level between 4 and 5 cm above the xiphoid process. The level of the electrode plane was varied between 2 cm and 7 cm above the xiphoid process. Absolute lung resistivity in 18 normal subjects (age 22.6 +/- 4.9, height 169.1 +/- 5.7 cm, weight 60.6 +/- 4.5 kg, body mass index 21.2 +/- 1.6: mean +/- standard deviation) was measured during both normal and deep breathing for 1 min. Three sets of measurements were made over a period of several days on each of nine of the normal male subjects. No significant differences in absolute lung resistivity were found, either during normal tidal breathing between the electrode levels of 4 and 5 cm (9.3 +/- 2.4 Omega m, 9.6 +/- 1.9 Omega m at 4 and 5 cm, respectively: mean +/- standard deviation) or during deep breathing between the electrode levels of 4 and 5 cm (10.9 +/- 2.9 Omega m and 11.1 +/- 2.3 Omega m, respectively: mean +/- standard deviation). However, the differences in absolute lung resistivity between normal and deep tidal breathing at the same electrode level are significant. No significant difference was found in the coefficient of variation between the electrode levels of 4 and 5 cm (9.5 +/- 3.6%, 8.5 +/- 3.2% at 4 and 5 cm, respectively: mean +/- standard deviation in individual subjects). Therefore, the electrode levels of 4 and 5 cm above the xiphoid process showed reasonable reliability in the measurement of absolute lung resistivity both among individuals and over time.

  5. Electrochemical Selective and Simultaneous Detection of Diclofenac and Ibuprofen in Aqueous Solution Using HKUST-1 Metal-Organic Framework-Carbon Nanofiber Composite Electrode.

    PubMed

    Motoc, Sorina; Manea, Florica; Iacob, Adriana; Martinez-Joaristi, Alberto; Gascon, Jorge; Pop, Aniela; Schoonman, Joop

    2016-10-17

    In this study, the detection protocols for the individual, selective, and simultaneous determination of ibuprofen (IBP) and diclofenac (DCF) in aqueous solutions have been developed using HKUST-1 metal-organic framework-carbon nanofiber composite (HKUST-CNF) electrode. The morphological and electrical characterization of modified composite electrode prepared by film casting was studied by scanning electronic microscopy and four-point-probe methods. The electrochemical characterization of the electrode by cyclic voltammetry (CV) was considered the reference basis for the optimization of the operating conditions for chronoamperometry (CA) and multiple-pulsed amperometry (MPA). This electrode exhibited the possibility to selectively detect IBP and DCF by simple switching the detection potential using CA. However, the MPA operated under optimum working conditions of four potential levels selected based on CV shape in relation to the potential value, pulse time, and potential level number, and order allowed the selective/simultaneous detection of IBP and DCF characterized by the enhanced detection performance. For this application, the HKUST-CNF electrode exhibited a good stability and reproducibility of the results was achieved.

  6. Electrochemical Selective and Simultaneous Detection of Diclofenac and Ibuprofen in Aqueous Solution Using HKUST-1 Metal-Organic Framework-Carbon Nanofiber Composite Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Motoc, Sorina; Manea, Florica; Iacob, Adriana; Martinez-Joaristi, Alberto; Gascon, Jorge; Pop, Aniela; Schoonman, Joop

    2016-01-01

    In this study, the detection protocols for the individual, selective, and simultaneous determination of ibuprofen (IBP) and diclofenac (DCF) in aqueous solutions have been developed using HKUST-1 metal-organic framework-carbon nanofiber composite (HKUST-CNF) electrode. The morphological and electrical characterization of modified composite electrode prepared by film casting was studied by scanning electronic microscopy and four-point-probe methods. The electrochemical characterization of the electrode by cyclic voltammetry (CV) was considered the reference basis for the optimization of the operating conditions for chronoamperometry (CA) and multiple-pulsed amperometry (MPA). This electrode exhibited the possibility to selectively detect IBP and DCF by simple switching the detection potential using CA. However, the MPA operated under optimum working conditions of four potential levels selected based on CV shape in relation to the potential value, pulse time, and potential level number, and order allowed the selective/simultaneous detection of IBP and DCF characterized by the enhanced detection performance. For this application, the HKUST-CNF electrode exhibited a good stability and reproducibility of the results was achieved. PMID:27763509

  7. Spectrophotometric Calibration of pH Electrodes in Seawater Using Purified m-Cresol Purple

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    This work examines the use of purified meta-cresol purple (mCP) for direct spectrophotometric calibration of glass pH electrodes in seawater. The procedures used in this investigation allow for simple, inexpensive electrode calibrations over salinities of 20–40 and temperatures of 278.15–308.15 K without preparation of synthetic Tris seawater buffers. The optimal pH range is ∼7.0–8.1. Spectrophotometric calibrations enable straightforward, quantitative distinctions between Nernstian and non-Nernstian electrode behavior. For the electrodes examined in this study, both types of behavior were observed. Furthermore, calibrations performed in natural seawater allow direct determination of the influence of salinity on electrode performance. The procedures developed in this study account for salinity-induced variations in liquid junction potentials that, if not taken into account, would create pH inconsistencies of 0.028 over a 10-unit change in salinity. Spectrophotometric calibration can also be used to expeditiously determine the intercept potential (i.e., the potential corresponding to pH 0) of an electrode that has reliably demonstrated Nernstian behavior. Titrations to ascertain Nernstian behavior and salinity effects can be undertaken relatively infrequently (∼weekly to monthly). One-point determinations of intercept potential should be undertaken frequently (∼daily) to monitor for stable electrode behavior and ensure accurate potentiometric pH determinations. PMID:22463815

  8. Combinatorial electrochemical cell array for high throughput screening of micro-fuel-cells and metal/air batteries.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Rongzhong

    2007-07-01

    An electrochemical cell array was designed that contains a common air electrode and 16 microanodes for high throughput screening of both fuel cells (based on polymer electrolyte membrane) and metal/air batteries (based on liquid electrolyte). Electrode materials can easily be coated on the anodes of the electrochemical cell array and screened by switching a graphite probe from one cell to the others. The electrochemical cell array was used to study direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), including high throughput screening of electrode catalysts and determination of optimum operating conditions. For screening of DMFCs, there is about 6% relative standard deviation (percentage of standard deviation versus mean value) for discharge current from 10 to 20 mAcm(2). The electrochemical cell array was also used to study tin/air batteries. The effect of Cu content in the anode electrode on the discharge performance of the tin/air battery was investigated. The relative standard deviations for screening of metal/air battery (based on zinc/air) are 2.4%, 3.6%, and 5.1% for discharge current at 50, 100, and 150 mAcm(2), respectively.

  9. Effects of electrode size and spacing on sensory modalities in the phantom thumb perception area for the forearm amputees.

    PubMed

    Li, P; Chai, G H; Zhu, K H; Lan, N; Sui, X H

    2015-01-01

    Tactile sensory feedback plays a key role in accomplishing the dexterous manipulation of prosthetic hands for the amputees, and the non-invasive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of the phantom finger perception (PFP) area would be an effective way to realize sensory feedback clinically. In order to realize the high-spatial-resolution tactile sensory feedback in the PFP region, we investigated the effects of electrode size and spacing on the tactile sensations for potentially optimizing the surface electrode array configuration. Six forearm-amputated subjects were recruited in the psychophysical studies. With the diameter of the circular electrode increasing from 3 mm to 12 mm, the threshold current intensity was enhanced correspondingly under different sensory modalities. The smaller electrode could potentially lead to high sensation spatial resolution. Whereas, the smaller the electrode, the less the number of sensory modalities. For an Φ-3 mm electrode, it is even hard for the subject to perceive any perception modalities under normal stimulating current. In addition, the two-electrode discrimination distance (TEDD) in the phantom thumb perception area decreased with electrode size decreasing in two directions of parallel or perpendicular to the forearm. No significant difference of TEDD existed along the two directions. Studies in this paper would guide the configuration optimization of the TENS electrode array for potential high spatial-resolution sensory feedback.

  10. AC electrokinetic manipulation of selenium nanoparticles for potential nanosensor applications

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mahmoodi, Seyed Reza; Bayati, Marzieh, E-mail: m-bayati@tums.ac.ir; Hosseinirad, Somayeh

    2013-03-15

    Highlights: ► Se nanoparticles were synthesized using a reverse-microemulsion process. ► AC osmotic fluid flow repulses the particles from electrode edges. ► Dielectrophoretic force attracts the particles to electrode edges. ► Dielectrophoresis electrode showed non-ohmic behavior. ► The device can potentially be used as a nanosensor. - Abstract: We report the AC electrokinetic behavior of selenium (Se) nanoparticles for electrical characterization and possible application as micro/nano devices. selenium Se nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a reverse-microemulsion process and investigated structurally using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. Interdigitated castellated ITO and non-castellated platinum electrodes were employed for manipulation of suspendedmore » materials in the fluid. Using ITO electrodes at low frequency limits resulted in deposition of Se particles on electrode surface. When Se particles exposed to platinum electrodes in the 10 Hz–1 kHz range and V {sub p−p}> 8, AC osmotic fluid flow repulses the particles from electrode edges. However, in 10 kHz–10 MHz range and V {sub p−p}> 5, dielectrophoretic force attracts the particles to electrode edges. As the Se particle concentration increased, the trapped Se particles were aligned along the electric field line and bridged the electrode gap. The device was characterized and can potentially be useful in making micro/nano electronic devices.« less

  11. Fiber optic based multiprobe system for intraoperative monitoring of brain functions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mayevsky, Avraham; Flamm, E. S.; Pennie, William; Chance, Britton

    1991-05-01

    Monitoring of brain functions during neurosurgical conditions have been made by various groups of investigators. Attempts were made to monitor EEG or evoked potentials, cerebral blood flow, mitochondrial redox state during various neurosurgical procedures. In order to monitor various functions of the brain we have developed a new multiprobe (MPA) assembly, based on fiber optic probes and ion selective electrodes, enabling the assessment of relative CBF, mitochondrial redox state (NADH fluorescence) and ion homeostasis in real-time, intraoperatively. The base features of the multiprobe assembly were described previously (A. Mayevsky, J. Appl. Physiol. 54, 740-748, 1983). The multiprobe holder (made of Delarin) contained a bundle of fibers transmitting light to and from the brain as well as 3 ion selective electrodes (K+%/, Ca(superscript 2+, Na+) combined with DC steady potential electrodes (Ag/AgCl). The common part of the light guide contained 2 groups of fibers. For the Laser Doppler flowmetry one input fiber and two output fibers were glued in a triangular shape and connected to the standard commercial plug of the Laser Doppler flowmeter. For the monitoring of NADH redox state 10 excitation and 10 emission fibers were randomly mixed between and around the fibers used for the Laser Doppler flowmetry. This configuration of the fibers enabled us to monitor CBF and NADH redox state from about the same tissue volume. The ion selective electrodes were connected to an Ag/AgCl electrode holders and the entire MPA was protected by a Plexiglass sleeve. Animal experiments were used for the verification of the methods and recording of typical responses to various pathological situations. The entire multiprobe assembly was sterilized by the standard gas sterilization routine and was checked for electrodes integrity and calibration inside the operation room 24 hours later. The MPA was located on the exposed human cortex using a micromanipulator and data collection started immediately after, using a micro computer based data acquisition system. After recording of baseline levels of CBF, NADH redox state and extracellular ion levels, the responses to CBF decrease (occlusions of a blood vessel) were recorded followed by the recovery period. A significant correlation between the CBF and NADH redox state changes was recorded. This approach enabled us to correlate this change in energy supply, to those of extracellular ion concentration. The preliminary results obtained suggest that the usage of the MPA in the operating room may have a significant contribution to the neurosurgeon as a routine diagnostic tool. It seems to us that a simplified MPA which will enable to monitor only the relative CBF, NADH redox state as well as extracellular K+ is more appropriate for future usage.

  12. Signal processing with a summing operational amplifier in multicomponent potentiometric titrations.

    PubMed

    Parczewski, A

    1987-06-01

    It has been proved that application of two indicator electrodes connected to the ordinary titration apparatus through an auxiliary electronic device (a summing operational amplifier) significantly extends the scope of multicomponent potentiometric titrations in which the analytes are determined simultaneously from a single titration curve. For each analyte there is a corresponding potential jump on the titration curve. By application of the proposed auxiliary device, the sum of the electrode potentials is measured. The device also enables the relative sizes of the potential jumps at the end-points on the titration curve to be varied. The advantages of the proposed signal processing are exemplified by complexometric potentiometric titrations of Fe(III) and Cu(II) in mixtures, with a platinum electrode and a copper ion-selective electrode as the indicator electrodes.

  13. Implications of Marcus-Hush theory for steady-state heterogeneous electron transfer at an inlaid disk electrode.

    PubMed

    Feldberg, Stephen W

    2010-06-15

    For an outer-sphere heterogeneous electron transfer, Ox + e = Red, between an electrode and a redox couple, the Butler-Volmer formalism predicts that the operative heterogeneous rate constant, k(red) (cm s(-1)) for reduction (or k(ox) for oxidation) increases without limit as an exponential function of -alpha (E - E(0)) for reduction (or (1 - alpha)(E - E(0)) for oxidation), where E is the applied electrode potential, alpha (~1/2) is the transfer coefficient and E(0) is the formal potential. The Marcus-Hush formalism, as exposited by Chidsey (Chidsey, C. E. D. Science 1991, 215, 919), predicts that the value of k(red) or k(ox) limits at sufficiently large values of -(E - E(0)) or (E - E(0)). The steady-state currents at an inlaid disk electrode obtained for a redox species in solution were computed using both formalisms with the Oldham-Zoski approximation (Oldham, K. B.; Zoski, C. G. J. Electroanal. Chem. 1988, 256, 11). Significant differences are noted for the two formalisms. When k(0)r(0)/D is sufficiently small (k(0) is the standard rate constant, r(0) is the radius of the disk electrode, and D is the diffusion coefficient of the redox species), the Marcus-Hush formalism effects a limiting current that can be significantly smaller than the mass transport limited current. This is easily explained in terms of the limiting values of k(red) and k(ox) predicted by the Marcus-Hush formalism. The experimental conditions that must be met to effect significant differences in behavior are discussed; experimental conditions that effect virtually identical behavior are also discussed. As a caveat for experimentalists, applications of the Butler-Volmer formalism to systems that are more properly described using the Marcus-Hush formalism are shown to yield incorrect values of k(0) and meaningless values of alpha, which serves only as a fitting parameter.

  14. Behaviour and quantification studies of terbacil and lenacil in environmental samples using cyclic and adsorptive stripping voltammetry at hanging mercury drop electrode.

    PubMed

    Thriveni, T; Rajesh Kumar, J; Sujatha, D; Sreedhar, N Y

    2007-05-01

    The cyclic voltammograms of terbacil and lenacil at the hanging mercury drop electrode showed a single well defined four electron irreversible peak in universal buffer of pH 4.0 for both compounds. The peak potentials were shifted to more negative values on the increase of pH of the medium, implying the involvement of protons in the electrode reaction and that the proton transfer reaction precedes the proper electrode process. The four electron single peak may be attributed to the simultaneous reduction of carbonyl groups present in 2 and 4 in pyrimidine ring of terbacil and lenacil to the corresponding hydroxy derivative. Based on the interfacial adsorptive character of the terbacil and lenacil onto the mercury electrode surface, a simple sensitive and low cost differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetric procedure was optimized for the analysis of terbacil and lenacil. The optimal operational conditions of the proposed procedure were accumulation potential E (acc) = -0.4 V, accumulation time t (acc) = 80 s, scan rate = 40 mV s(-1), pulse amplitude = 25 mV using a universal buffer pH 4.0 as a supporting electrolyte. The linear concentration range was found to be 1.5 x 10(-5) to 1.2 x 10(-9) mol/l and 1.5 x 10(-5) to 2.5 x 10(-8) mol/l with the lower detection limit of 1.22 x 10(-9) and 2.0 x 10(-8) mol/l. The correlation coefficient and relative standard deviation values are found to be 0.942, 0.996, 1.64% and 1.23%, respectively, for 10 replicants. The procedure was successfully applied for determination of terbacil and lenacil in formulations, mixed formulations, environmental samples such as fruit samples and spiked water samples.

  15. pH, redox potential and local biofilm potential microenvironments within Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms and their roles in electron transfer.

    PubMed

    Babauta, Jerome T; Nguyen, Hung Duc; Harrington, Timothy D; Renslow, Ryan; Beyenal, Haluk

    2012-10-01

    The limitation of pH inside electrode-respiring biofilms is a well-known concept. However, little is known about how pH and redox potential are affected by increasing current inside biofilms respiring on electrodes. Quantifying the variations in pH and redox potential with increasing current is needed to determine how electron transfer is tied to proton transfer within the biofilm. In this research, we quantified pH and redox potential variations in electrode-respiring Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms as a function of respiration rates, measured as current. We also characterized pH and redox potential at the counter electrode. We concluded that (1) pH continued to decrease in the biofilm through different growth phases, showing that the pH is not always a limiting factor in a biofilm and (2) decreasing pH and increasing redox potential at the biofilm electrode were associated only with the biofilm, demonstrating that G. sulfurreducens biofilms respire in a unique internal environment. Redox potential inside the biofilm was also compared to the local biofilm potential measured by a graphite microelectrode, where the tip of the microelectrode was allowed to acclimatize inside the biofilm. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. Action potentials in retinal ganglion cells are initiated at the site of maximal curvature of the extracellular potential.

    PubMed

    Eickenscheidt, Max; Zeck, Günther

    2014-06-01

    The initiation of an action potential by extracellular stimulation occurs after local depolarization of the neuronal membrane above threshold. Although the technique shows remarkable clinical success, the site of action and the relevant stimulation parameters are not completely understood. Here we identify the site of action potential initiation in rabbit retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) interfaced to an array of extracellular capacitive stimulation electrodes. We determine which feature of the extracellular potential governs action potential initiation by simultaneous stimulation and recording RGCs interfaced in epiretinal configuration. Stimulation electrodes were combined to areas of different size and were presented at different positions with respect to the RGC. Based on stimulation by electrodes beneath the RGC soma and simultaneous sub-millisecond latency measurement we infer axonal initiation at the site of maximal curvature of the extracellular potential. Stimulation by electrodes at different positions along the axon reveals a nearly constant threshold current density except for a narrow region close to the cell soma. These findings are explained by the concept of the activating function modified to consider a region of lower excitability close to the cell soma. We present a framework how to estimate the site of action potential initiation and the stimulus required to cross threshold in neurons tightly interfaced to capacitive stimulation electrodes. Our results underscore the necessity of rigorous electrical characterization of the stimulation electrodes and of the interfaced neural tissue.

  17. Low noise multi-channel biopotential wireless data acquisition system for dry electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pandian, P. S.; Whitchurch, Ashwin K.; Abraham, Jose K.; Bhusan Baskey, Himanshu; Radhakrishnan, J. K.; Varadan, Vijay K.; Padaki, V. C.; Bhasker Rao, K. U.; Harbaugh, R. E.

    2008-03-01

    The bioelectrical potentials generated within the human body are the result of electrochemical activity in the excitable cells of the nervous, muscular or glandular tissues. The ionic potentials are measured using biopotential electrodes which convert ionic potentials to electronic potentials. The commonly monitored biopotential signals are Electrocardiogram (ECG), Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Electromyogram (EMG). The electrodes used to monitor biopotential signals are Ag-AgCl and gold, which require skin preparation by means of scrubbing to remove the dead cells and application of electrolytic gel to reduce the skin contact resistance. The gels used in biopotential recordings dry out when used for longer durations and add noise to the signals and also prolonged use of gels cause irritations and rashes to skin. Also noises such as motion artifact and baseline wander are added to the biopotential signals as the electrode floats over the electrolytic gel during monitoring. To overcome these drawbacks, dry electrodes are used, where the electrodes are held against the skin surface to establish contact with the skin without the need for electrolytic fluids or gels. The major drawback associated with the dry electrodes is the high skin-electrode impedance in the low frequency range between 0.1-120 Hz, which makes it difficult to acquire clean and noise free biopotential signals. The paper presents the design and development of biopotential data acquisition and processing system to acquire biopotential signals from dry electrodes. The electrode-skin-electrode- impedance (ESEI) measurements was carried out for the dry electrodes by impedance spectroscopy. The biopotential signals are processed using an instrumentation amplifier with high CMRR and high input impedance achieved by boot strapping the input terminals. The signals are band limited by means of a second order Butterworth band pass filters to eliminate noise. The processed biopotential signals are digitized and transmitted wirelessly to a remote monitoring station.

  18. Supported liquid membrane coupled on-line to potentiometric stripping analysis at a mercury-coated reticulated vitreous carbon electrode for trace metal determinations in urine.

    PubMed

    Djane, N K; Armalis, S; Ndung'u, K; Johansson, G; Mathiasson, L

    1998-02-01

    A method for trace metal determinations in complex matrices is presented. The method combines supported liquid membrane (SLM) sample clean-up and enrichment with potentiometric stripping analysis (PSA) in a flow system using reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) as the electrode material. The membrane contained 40% m/m di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid dissolved in kerosene. Lead was used as a model substance in high-purity water and urine samples. The samples were enriched after a simple pH adjustment. The SLM enrichment time was 10 min when the last 5 min electrodeposition on the RVC electrode at -1.0 V (versus Ag/AgCl) was performed simultaneously. The influence of various experimental parameters such as deposition time, deposition potential and flow rate on the lead signal was investigated. With a 10 min SLM enrichment including a 5 min deposition time, the detection limit for lead was 0.3 microgram l-1. The relative standard deviation for lead concentrations in the range 4-20 micrograms l-1 was 0.05%. The overall SLM-PSA system was found to be stable for at least 100 urine analyses. The method was validated by running a reference urine sample. The result obtained (five replicates) was 9.7 micrograms l-1 (standard deviation 1.8 micrograms l-1) which is within the recommended range of 9.2-10.8 micrograms l-1.

  19. Implementing the FDA performance standard on electrode lead wires and patient cables in hospitals.

    PubMed

    Tsitlik, J E; Rose, D C; Baumann, R C

    2000-01-01

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Performance Standard on Electrode Lead Wires and Patient Cables became mandatory for all relevant devices on May 9, 2000. The standard requires that any lead wire or patient cable that has contact, temporary or permanent, with a patient, should not allow the connection of the patient to the earth or possibly hazardous voltages. This article advises those hospitals and other healthcare facilities that have not completed the upgrades of wires and cables on how to complete this task.

  20. Glucose biosensor based on the immobilization of glucose oxidase on electrochemically synthesized polypyrrole-poly(vinyl sulphonate) composite film by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde.

    PubMed

    Colak, Ozlem; Yaşar, Ahmet; Cete, Servet; Arslan, Fatma

    2012-10-01

    In this study, a novel amperometric glucose biosensor was developed by immobilizing glucose oxidase (GOX) by cross-linking via glutaraldehyde on electrochemically polymerized polypyrrole-poly(vinyl sulphonate) (PPy-PVS) films on the surface of a platinum (Pt) electrode. Electropolymerization of pyrrole and poly(vinyl sulphonate) on the Pt surface was carried out with an electrochemical cell containing pyrrole and poly(vinyl sulphonate) by cyclic voltammetry between -1.0 and + 2.0 V (vs.Ag/AgCl) at a scan rate of 50 mV/s upon the Pt electrode. The amperometric determination was based on the electrochemical detection of H(2)O(2) generated in enzymatic reaction of glucose. Determination of glucose was carried out by the oxidation of enzymatically produced H(2)O(2) at 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The effects of pH and temperature were investigated and optimum parameters were found to be 7.5 and 65°C, respectively. The effect of working potential was investigated and optimum potential was determined to be 0.4 V. The operational stability of the enzyme electrode was also studied. The response of the PPy/PVS-GOX glucose biosensor exhibited good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.48%. The glucose biosensor retained 63% of initial activity after 93 days when stored in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.5 at 4°C. With the low operating potential, the biosensor demonstrated little interference from the possible interferants.

  1. Spinal cord electrophysiology II: extracellular suction electrode fabrication.

    PubMed

    Garudadri, Suresh; Gallarda, Benjamin; Pfaff, Samuel; Alaynick, William

    2011-02-20

    Development of neural circuitries and locomotion can be studied using neonatal rodent spinal cord central pattern generator (CPG) behavior. We demonstrate a method to fabricate suction electrodes that are used to examine CPG activity, or fictive locomotion, in dissected rodent spinal cords. The rodent spinal cords are placed in artificial cerebrospinal fluid and the ventral roots are drawn into the suction electrode. The electrode is constructed by modifying a commercially available suction electrode. A heavier silver wire is used instead of the standard wire given by the commercially available electrode. The glass tip on the commercial electrode is replaced with a plastic tip for increased durability. We prepare hand drawn electrodes and electrodes made from specific sizes of tubing, allowing consistency and reproducibility. Data is collected using an amplifier and neurogram acquisition software. Recordings are performed on an air table within a Faraday cage to prevent mechanical and electrical interference, respectively.

  2. Spinal Cord Electrophysiology II: Extracellular Suction Electrode Fabrication

    PubMed Central

    Garudadri, Suresh; Gallarda, Benjamin; Pfaff, Samuel; Alaynick, William

    2011-01-01

    Development of neural circuitries and locomotion can be studied using neonatal rodent spinal cord central pattern generator (CPG) behavior. We demonstrate a method to fabricate suction electrodes that are used to examine CPG activity, or fictive locomotion, in dissected rodent spinal cords. The rodent spinal cords are placed in artificial cerebrospinal fluid and the ventral roots are drawn into the suction electrode. The electrode is constructed by modifying a commercially available suction electrode. A heavier silver wire is used instead of the standard wire given by the commercially available electrode. The glass tip on the commercial electrode is replaced with a plastic tip for increased durability. We prepare hand drawn electrodes and electrodes made from specific sizes of tubing, allowing consistency and reproducibility. Data is collected using an amplifier and neurogram acquisition software. Recordings are performed on an air table within a Faraday cage to prevent mechanical and electrical interference, respectively. PMID:21372792

  3. Comparison of Foam-Based and Spring-Loaded Dry EEG Electrodes with Wet Electrodes in Resting and Moving Conditions*

    PubMed Central

    Yeung, Arnold; Garudadri, Harinath; Van Toen, Carolyn; Mercier, Patrick; Balkan, Ozgur; Makeig, Scott; Virji-Babul, Naznin

    2018-01-01

    The introduction of dry electrodes for EEG measurements has opened up possibilities of recording EEG outside of standard clinical environments by reducing required preparation and maintenance. However, the signal quality of dry electrodes in comparison with wet electrodes has not yet been evaluated under activities of daily life (ADL) or high motion tasks. In this study, we compared the performances of foam-based and spring-loaded dry electrodes with wet electrodes under three different task conditions: resting state, walking, and cycling. Our analysis showed signals obtained by the 2 types of dry electrodes and obtained by wet electrodes displayed high correlation for all conditions, while being prone to similar environmental and electrode-based artifacts. Overall, our results suggest that dry electrodes have a similar signal quality in comparison to wet electrodes and may be more practical for use in mobile and real-time motion applications due to their convenience. In addition, we conclude that as with wet electrodes, post-processing can mitigate motion artifacts in ambulatory EEG acquisition. PMID:26737936

  4. Self-Supporting, Hydrophobic, Ionic Liquid-Based Reference Electrodes Prepared by Polymerization-Induced Microphase Separation.

    PubMed

    Chopade, Sujay A; Anderson, Evan L; Schmidt, Peter W; Lodge, Timothy P; Hillmyer, Marc A; Bühlmann, Philippe

    2017-10-27

    Interfaces of ionic liquids and aqueous solutions exhibit stable electrical potentials over a wide range of aqueous electrolyte concentrations. This makes ionic liquids suitable as bridge materials that separate in electroanalytical measurements the reference electrode from samples with low and/or unknown ionic strengths. However, methods for the preparation of ionic liquid-based reference electrodes have not been explored widely. We have designed a convenient and reliable synthesis of ionic liquid-based reference electrodes by polymerization-induced microphase separation. This technique allows for a facile, single-pot synthesis of ready-to-use reference electrodes that incorporate ion conducting nanochannels filled with either 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide or 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide as ionic liquid, supported by a mechanically robust cross-linked polystyrene phase. This synthesis procedure allows for the straightforward design of various reference electrode geometries. These reference electrodes exhibit a low resistance as well as good reference potential stability and reproducibility when immersed into aqueous solutions varying from deionized, purified water to 100 mM KCl, while requiring no correction for liquid junction potentials.

  5. Estimation of the neural drive to the muscle from surface electromyograms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hofmann, David

    Muscle force is highly correlated with the standard deviation of the surface electromyogram (sEMG) produced by the active muscle. Correctly estimating this quantity of non-stationary sEMG and understanding its relation to neural drive and muscle force is of paramount importance. The single constituents of the sEMG are called motor unit action potentials whose biphasic amplitude can interfere (named amplitude cancellation), potentially affecting the standard deviation (Keenan etal. 2005). However, when certain conditions are met the Campbell-Hardy theorem suggests that amplitude cancellation does not affect the standard deviation. By simulation of the sEMG, we verify the applicability of this theorem to myoelectric signals and investigate deviations from its conditions to obtain a more realistic setting. We find no difference in estimated standard deviation with and without interference, standing in stark contrast to previous results (Keenan etal. 2008, Farina etal. 2010). Furthermore, since the theorem provides us with the functional relationship between standard deviation and neural drive we conclude that complex methods based on high density electrode arrays and blind source separation might not bear substantial advantages for neural drive estimation (Farina and Holobar 2016). Funded by NIH Grant Number 1 R01 EB022872 and NSF Grant Number 1208126.

  6. Action potential propagation recorded from single axonal arbors using multi-electrode arrays.

    PubMed

    Tovar, Kenneth R; Bridges, Daniel C; Wu, Bian; Randall, Connor; Audouard, Morgane; Jang, Jiwon; Hansma, Paul K; Kosik, Kenneth S

    2018-04-11

    We report the presence of co-occurring extracellular action potentials (eAPs) from cultured mouse hippocampal neurons among groups of planar electrodes on multi-electrode arrays (MEAs). The invariant sequences of eAPs among co-active electrode groups, repeated co-occurrences and short inter-electrode latencies are consistent with action potential propagation in unmyelinated axons. Repeated eAP co-detection by multiple electrodes was widespread in all our data records. Co-detection of eAPs confirms they result from the same neuron and allows these eAPs to be isolated from all other spikes independently of spike sorting algorithms. We averaged co-occurring events and revealed additional electrodes with eAPs that would otherwise be below detection threshold. We used these eAP cohorts to explore the temperature sensitivity of action potential propagation and the relationship between voltage-gated sodium channel density and propagation velocity. The sequence of eAPs among co-active electrodes 'fingerprints' neurons giving rise to these events and identifies them within neuronal ensembles. We used this property and the non-invasive nature of extracellular recording to monitor changes in excitability at multiple points in single axonal arbors simultaneously over several hours, demonstrating independence of axonal segments. Over several weeks, we recorded changes in inter-electrode propagation latencies and ongoing changes in excitability in different regions of single axonal arbors. Our work illustrates how repeated eAP co-occurrences can be used to extract physiological data from single axons with low electrode density MEAs. However, repeated eAP co-occurrences leads to over-sampling spikes from single neurons and thus can confound traditional spike-train analysis.

  7. Effective immobilization of glucose oxidase on chitosan submicron particles from gladius of Todarodes pacificus for glucose sensing.

    PubMed

    Anusha, J R; Fleming, Albin T; Kim, Hee-Je; Kim, Byung Chul; Yu, Kook-Hyun; Raj, C Justin

    2015-08-01

    An effective enzymatic glucose biosensor was developed by immobilizing glucose oxidase on chitosan submicron particles synthesized from the gladius of Todarodes pacificus (GCSP). The chemically synthesized chitosan from gladius was pulverized to submicron particles by ball milling technique, which was further characterized and compared with the standard chitosan (SCS). The degree of deacetylation of GCSP was determined using FTIR spectroscopy which was comparable to the value of standard chitosan. The glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized over GCSP on porous zinc oxide/platinum nanoparticle (ZnO/Pt) based electrode. The morphological and structural properties of the electrodes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The glucose sensing behavior of electrode was estimated using electrochemical analysis and showed an excellent analytical performance. The electrode ZnO/Pt/GCSP conjugated with GOx displayed high sensitivity (88.76 μA mM(-1) cm(-2)) with low detection limit in short response time. In addition, the very low value of Michaelis-Menten constant for GCSP based electrode contributes a better affinity of the electrode surface towards glucose oxidase. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Cellular mechanisms of desynchronizing effects of hypothermia in an in vitro epilepsy model.

    PubMed

    Motamedi, Gholam K; Gonzalez-Sulser, Alfredo; Dzakpasu, Rhonda; Vicini, Stefano

    2012-01-01

    Hypothermia can terminate epileptiform discharges in vitro and in vivo epilepsy models. Hypothermia is becoming a standard treatment for brain injury in infants with perinatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and it is gaining ground as a potential treatment in patients with drug resistant epilepsy. However, the exact mechanism of action of cooling the brain tissue is unclear. We have studied the 4-aminopyridine model of epilepsy in mice using single- and dual-patch clamp and perforated multi-electrode array recordings from the hippocampus and cortex. Cooling consistently terminated 4-aminopyridine induced epileptiform-like discharges in hippocampal neurons and increased input resistance that was not mimicked by transient receptor potential channel antagonists. Dual-patch clamp recordings showed significant synchrony between distant CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons, but less so between the pyramidal neurons and interneurons. In CA1 and CA3 neurons, hypothermia blocked rhythmic action potential discharges and disrupted their synchrony; however, in interneurons, hypothermia blocked rhythmic discharges without abolishing action potentials. In parallel, multi-electrode array recordings showed that synchronized discharges were disrupted by hypothermia, whereas multi-unit activity was unaffected. The differential effect of cooling on transmitting or secreting γ-aminobutyric acid interneurons might disrupt normal network synchrony, aborting the epileptiform discharges. Moreover, the persistence of action potential firing in interneurons would have additional antiepileptic effects through tonic γ-aminobutyric acid release.

  9. Analytical and numerical solutions of the potential and electric field generated by different electrode arrays in a tumor tissue under electrotherapy.

    PubMed

    Bergues Pupo, Ana E; Reyes, Juan Bory; Bergues Cabrales, Luis E; Bergues Cabrales, Jesús M

    2011-09-24

    Electrotherapy is a relatively well established and efficient method of tumor treatment. In this paper we focus on analytical and numerical calculations of the potential and electric field distributions inside a tumor tissue in a two-dimensional model (2D-model) generated by means of electrode arrays with shapes of different conic sections (ellipse, parabola and hyperbola). Analytical calculations of the potential and electric field distributions based on 2D-models for different electrode arrays are performed by solving the Laplace equation, meanwhile the numerical solution is solved by means of finite element method in two dimensions. Both analytical and numerical solutions reveal significant differences between the electric field distributions generated by electrode arrays with shapes of circle and different conic sections (elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic). Electrode arrays with circular, elliptical and hyperbolic shapes have the advantage of concentrating the electric field lines in the tumor. The mathematical approach presented in this study provides a useful tool for the design of electrode arrays with different shapes of conic sections by means of the use of the unifying principle. At the same time, we verify the good correspondence between the analytical and numerical solutions for the potential and electric field distributions generated by the electrode array with different conic sections.

  10. A device for emulating cuff recordings of action potentials propagating along peripheral nerves.

    PubMed

    Rieger, Robert; Schuettler, Martin; Chuang, Sheng-Chih

    2014-09-01

    This paper describes a device that emulates propagation of action potentials along a peripheral nerve, suitable for reproducible testing of bio-potential recording systems using nerve cuff electrodes. The system is a microcontroller-based stand-alone instrument which uses established nerve and electrode models to represent neural activity of real nerves recorded with a nerve cuff interface, taking into consideration electrode impedance, voltages picked up by the electrodes, and action potential propagation characteristics. The system emulates different scenarios including compound action potentials with selectable propagation velocities and naturally occurring nerve traffic from different velocity fiber populations. Measured results from a prototype implementation are reported and compared with in vitro recordings from Xenopus Laevis frog sciatic nerve, demonstrating that the electrophysiological setting is represented to a satisfactory degree, useful for the development, optimization and characterization of future recording systems.

  11. Source of Sustained Voltage Difference between the Xylem of a Potted Ficus benjamina Tree and Its Soil

    PubMed Central

    Love, Christopher J.; Zhang, Shuguang; Mershin, Andreas

    2008-01-01

    It has long been known that there is a sustained electrical potential (voltage) difference between the xylem of many plants and their surrounding soil, but the mechanism behind this voltage has remained controversial. After eliminating any extraneous capacitive or inductive couplings and ground-mediated electric current flows, we have measured sustained differences of 50–200 mV between the xylem region of a Faraday-caged, intact, potted Ficus benjamina tree and its soil, as well as between its cut branches and soils and ionic solutions standardized to various pH values. Using identical platinum electrodes, no correlation between the voltage and time of day, illumination, sap flow, electrode elevation, or ionic composition of soil was found, suggesting no direct connection to simple dissimilar-metal redox reactions or transpirational activity. Instead, a clear relationship between the voltage polarity and magnitude and the pH difference between xylem and soil was observed. We attribute these sustained voltages to a biological concentration cell likely set up by the homeostatic mechanisms of the tree. Potential applications of this finding are briefly explored. PMID:18698415

  12. P3 event-related potential impairments in antisocial and psychopathic individuals: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Gao, Yu; Raine, Adrian

    2009-12-01

    Prior findings on P3 event-related potential deficits in antisocial populations are mixed and it has been suggested that these abnormalities may not apply to psychopaths. A meta-analysis of 38 studies (total N=2616) was conducted to investigate the relationship of P3 measures to antisocial behavior. Reduced P3 amplitudes (d=0.252, p<.001) and longer P3 latencies (d=0.130, p=.019) were significantly associated with antisocial behavior across all electrode sites, and when using both normal and non-normal control groups. A significant moderating effect of electrode site indicated longer latencies at Fz but not Pz. Compared to non-psychopathic offenders, psychopathic offenders showed P3 amplitudes impairments in standard oddball tasks, but not other tasks. Findings suggest that reduced P3 amplitudes and prolonged P3 latencies may reflect inefficient deployment of neural resources in processing cognitive task-relevant information in individuals characterized with generic antisocial behavior (i.e., aggression, antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder/oppositional-defiant disorder, and psychopathy), whereas this association in psychopaths may be moderated by the type of tasks.

  13. Electrochemical oxidation of hydrazine and its derivatives on the surface of metal electrodes in alkaline media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Asazawa, Koichiro; Yamada, Koji; Tanaka, Hirohisa; Taniguchi, Masatoshi; Oguro, Keisuke

    Electrochemical oxidation of hydrazine and its derivatives on the surface of various metal electrodes in alkaline media was investigated. A comparison of various polycrystalline metal electrodes (Ni, Co, Fe, Cu, Ag, Au, and Pt) showed that Co and Ni electrodes have a lower onset potential for hydrazine oxidation than the Pt electrode. The onset oxidation potential of APA (aminopolyacrylamide), a hydrazine derivative (-0.127 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), was similar to that of hydrazine hydrate (-0.178 V vs. RHE) in the case of the Co electrode. APA oxidation was possible because of hydrazine desorption that was caused by APA hydrolysis. The hydrolysis reaction was brought about by a heat treatment. This result suggests that the hydrazine hydrolysis reaction of hydrazine derivatives makes it possible to store hydrazine hydrate safely.

  14. Inappropriate use of the quasi-reversible electrode kinetic model in simulation-experiment comparisons of voltammetric processes that approach the reversible limit.

    PubMed

    Simonov, Alexandr N; Morris, Graham P; Mashkina, Elena A; Bethwaite, Blair; Gillow, Kathryn; Baker, Ruth E; Gavaghan, David J; Bond, Alan M

    2014-08-19

    Many electrode processes that approach the "reversible" (infinitely fast) limit under voltammetric conditions have been inappropriately analyzed by comparison of experimental data and theory derived from the "quasi-reversible" model. Simulations based on "reversible" and "quasi-reversible" models have been fitted to an extensive series of a.c. voltammetric experiments undertaken at macrodisk glassy carbon (GC) electrodes for oxidation of ferrocene (Fc(0/+)) in CH3CN (0.10 M (n-Bu)4NPF6) and reduction of [Ru(NH3)6](3+) and [Fe(CN)6](3-) in 1 M KCl aqueous electrolyte. The confidence with which parameters such as standard formal potential (E(0)), heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant at E(0) (k(0)), charge transfer coefficient (α), uncompensated resistance (Ru), and double layer capacitance (CDL) can be reported using the "quasi-reversible" model has been assessed using bootstrapping and parameter sweep (contour plot) techniques. Underparameterization, such as that which occurs when modeling CDL with a potential independent value, results in a less than optimal level of experiment-theory agreement. Overparameterization may improve the agreement but easily results in generation of physically meaningful but incorrect values of the recovered parameters, as is the case with the very fast Fc(0/+) and [Ru(NH3)6](3+/2+) processes. In summary, for fast electrode kinetics approaching the "reversible" limit, it is recommended that the "reversible" model be used for theory-experiment comparisons with only E(0), Ru, and CDL being quantified and a lower limit of k(0) being reported; e.g., k(0) ≥ 9 cm s(-1) for the Fc(0/+) process.

  15. Redox properties of samarium, europium and ytterbium in molten eutectic mixture of sodium, potassium and cesium chlorides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Golovanova, O. A.; Tropin, O. A.; Volkovich, V. A.

    2017-09-01

    The redox behavior of samarium, europium and ytterbium ions was investigated in the ternary 6NaCl-9KCl- 5CsCl eutectic based melts between 823 and 1073 K employing cyclic voltammetry on a tungsten working electrode. Ln(II)/Ln(III) (Ln=Sm, Eu, Yb) reduction-oxidation is reversible and controlled by diffusion of the electroactive species at the potential scan rates up to 0.1 V/s. Formal standard redox potentials E*Ln(II)/Ln(III) were determined, and the thermodynamic and transport properties of the corresponding Ln(III) and Ln(II) ions were estimated.

  16. Electrochemical Determination of Food Preservative Nitrite with Gold Nanoparticles/p-Aminothiophenol-Modified Gold Electrode.

    PubMed

    Üzer, Ayşem; Sağlam, Şener; Can, Ziya; Erçağ, Erol; Apak, Reşat

    2016-08-02

    Due to the negative impact of nitrate and nitrite on human health, their presence exceeding acceptable levels is not desired in foodstuffs. Thus, nitrite determination at low concentrations is a major challenge in electroanalytical chemistry, which can be achieved by fast, cheap, and safe electrochemical sensors. In this work, the working electrode (Au) was functionalized with p-aminothiophenol (p-ATP) and modified with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) to manufacture the final (Au/p-ATP-Aunano) electrode in a two-step procedure. In the first step, p-ATP was electropolymerized on the electrode surface to obtain a polyaminothiophenol (PATP) coating. In the second step, Au/p-ATP-Aunano working electrode was prepared by coating the surface with the use of HAuCl₄ solution and cyclic voltammetry. Determination of aqueous nitrite samples was performed with the proposed electrode (Au/p-ATP-Aunano) using square wave voltammetry (SWV) in pH 4 buffer medium. Characteristic peak potential of nitrite samples was 0.76 V, and linear calibration curves of current intensity versus concentration was linear in the range of 0.5-50 mg·L(-1) nitrite with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.12 mg·L(-1). Alternatively, nitrite in sausage samples could be colorimetrically determined with high sensitivity by means of p-ATP‒modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and naphthylethylene diamine as coupling agents for azo-dye formation due to enhanced charge-transfer interactions with the AuNPs surface. The slopes of the calibration lines in pure NO₂(-) solution and in sausage sample solution, to which different concentrations of NO₂(-) standards were added, were not significantly different from each other, confirming the robustness and interference tolerance of the method. The proposed voltammetric sensing method was validated against the colorimetric nanosensing method in sausage samples.

  17. Construction of Uranyl Selective Electrode Based on Complex of Uranyl Ion with New Ligand Carboxybenzotriazole in PVC Matrix Membrane

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abu-Dalo, M. A.; Al-Rawashdeh, N. A. F.; Al-Mheidat, I. R.; Nassory, N. S.

    2015-10-01

    In the present study uranyl selective electrodes in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix membrane were prepared based on a complex of uranyl ion (UO2) with carboxybenzotriazole (CBT) as ligand. The effect of the nature of plasticizer in PVC matrix were evaluated using three different plasticizers, these are dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (BHS). The results of this study indicated that the best plasticizer could be used is the DBP, which may be attributed to its lowest viscosity value compared to DOP and BHS. The electrodes with DBP as plasticizer exhibits a Nernstian response with a slope of 28.0 mV/ decade, over a wide range of concentration from 3.0×10-5-6.0×10-2 M and a detection limit of 4.0×10-6 M. It can be used in the pH range of 4.0-10.0 with a response time of less than 10 s for DBP and 25 s for both DOP and BHS. The effects of ions interferences on the electrode response were evaluated. The di- and tri-valent cations were found to interfere less than univalent cations, which was attributed to the high diffusion and the exchange rate between the univalent ions and the uranyl ion solution. The electrodes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM). The results of the standard addition method were satisfactory with errors less than 7%. The developed electrode was found to be fast, sensitive and reliable indicated its potential use in measuring the uranly ion concentration in the field.

  18. Cathodic Stripping Analysis Complicated by Adsorption Processes: Determination of 2-Thiouracil at a Rotating Silver Disk Electrode,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-01-01

    concentration, poten- tial sweep rate, rotation speed, deposition potential and other parameters -on the shape and height of the stripping peaks have...concentration, potential sweep rate, rotation speed, deposition potential and other parameters on the shape and height of the stripping peaks have been...of the greater surface area of a solid electrode compared to a dropping mercury electrode. Cathodic stripping voltametry at a rotating silver disk

  19. A Study in Enzyme Kinetics Using an Ion-Specific Electrode.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Turchi, Sandra; And Others

    1989-01-01

    Describes an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory experiment on enzyme kinetics using the D-amino acid oxidase system and an ammonia electrode. Preparation of an ammonia standard curve, a sample preparation, and inhibition studies are discussed. (YP)

  20. 77 FR 25164 - Revision to Transmission Vegetation Management Reliability Standard; Notice Inviting Comments on...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-27

    ... occur when comparing the original testing (use of switching impulses and corona free electrodes) against... vegetation instead of corona-free electrodes? Do the equations adequately address the limiting conditions (i...

  1. Surface protected lithium-metal-oxide electrodes

    DOEpatents

    Thackeray, Michael M.; Kang, Sun-Ho

    2016-04-05

    A lithium-metal-oxide positive electrode having a layered or spinel structure for a non-aqueous lithium electrochemical cell and battery is disclosed comprising electrode particles that are protected at the surface from undesirable effects, such as electrolyte oxidation, oxygen loss or dissolution by one or more lithium-metal-polyanionic compounds, such as a lithium-metal-phosphate or a lithium-metal-silicate material that can act as a solid electrolyte at or above the operating potential of the lithium-metal-oxide electrode. The surface protection significantly enhances the surface stability, rate capability and cycling stability of the lithium-metal-oxide electrodes, particularly when charged to high potentials.

  2. Method of synthesizing polymers from a solid electrolyte

    DOEpatents

    Skotheim, Terje A.

    1985-01-01

    A method of synthesizing electrically conductive polymers from a solvent-free solid polymer electrolyte wherein an assembly of a substrate having an electrode thereon, a thin coating of solid electrolyte including a solution of PEO complexed with an alkali salt, and a thin transparent noble metal electrode are disposed in an evacuated chamber into which a selected monomer vapor is introduced while an electric potential is applied across the solid electrolyte to hold the thin transparent electrode at a positive potential relative to the electrode on the substrate, whereby a highly conductive polymer film is grown on the transparent electrode between it and the solid electrolyte.

  3. Method of synthesizing polymers from a solid electrolyte

    DOEpatents

    Skotheim, T.A.

    1984-10-19

    A method of synthesizing electrically conductive polymers from a solvent-free solid polymer electrolyte is disclosed. An assembly of a substrate having an electrode thereon, a thin coating of solid electrolyte including a solution of PEO complexed with an alkali salt, and a thin transparent noble metal electrode are disposed in an evacuated chamber into which a selected monomer vapor is introduced while an electric potential is applied across the solid electrolyte to hold the thin transparent electrode at a positive potential relative to the electrode on the substrate, whereby a highly conductive polymer film is grown on the transparent electrode between it and the solid electrolyte.

  4. The impact of round window vs cochleostomy surgical approaches on interscalar excursions in the cochlea: Preliminary results from a flat-panel computed tomography study.

    PubMed

    Jiam, Nicole T; Limb, Charles J

    2016-09-01

    To evaluate incidence of interscalar excursions between round window (RW) and cochleostomy approaches for cochlear implant (CI) insertion. This was a retrospective case-comparison. Flat-panel CT (FPCT) scans for 8 CI users with Med-El standard length electrode arrays were collected. Surgical technique was identified by a combination of operative notes and FPCT imaging. Four cochleae underwent round window insertion and 4 cochleae underwent cochleostomy approaches anterior and inferior to the round window. In our pilot study, cochleostomy approaches were associated with a higher likelihood of interscalar excursion. Within the cochleostomy group, we found 29% of electrode contacts (14 of 48 electrodes) to be outside the scala tympani. On the other hand, 8.5% of the electrode contacts (4 of 47 electrodes) in the round window insertion group were extra-scalar to the scala tympani. These displacements occurred at a mean angle of occurrence of 364° ± 133°, near the apex of the cochlea. Round window electrode displacements tend to localize at angle of occurrences of 400° or greater. Cochleostomy electrodes occurred at an angle of occurrence of 19°-490°. Currently, the optimal surgical approach for standard CI electrode insertion is highly debated, to a certain extent due to a lack of post-operative assessment of intracochlear electrode contact. Based on our preliminary findings, cochleostomy approach is associated with an increased likelihood of interscalar excursions, and these findings should be further evaluated with future prospective studies.

  5. Aqueous based asymmetrical-bipolar electrochemical capacitor with a 2.4 V operating voltage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Haoran; Lian, Keryn

    2018-02-01

    A novel asymmetrical-bipolar electrochemical capacitor system leveraging the contributions of a Zn-CNT asymmetrical electrode and a KOH-H2SO4 dual-pH electrolyte was developed. The positive and negative electrodes operated in electrolytes with different pH, exploiting the maximum potential of both electrodes, which led to a cell voltage of 2.4 V. The potential tracking of both electrodes revealed that the Zn negative electrode could maintain a potential at -1.2 V, while the CNT positive electrode can be charged to +1.2 V without significant irreversible reactions. A bipolar ion exchange membrane has effectively separated the acid and alkaline from neutralization, which resulted in stable performance of the device with capacitance retention of 94% and coulombic efficiency of 99% over 10,000 cycles. This asymmetrical-bipolar design overcomes the thermodynamic limit of water decomposition, opening a new avenue towards high energy and high power density aqueous-based ECs.

  6. Minimizing analyte electrolysis in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using a redox buffer coated emitter electrode

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Peintler-Krivan, Emese; Van Berkel, Gary J; Kertesz, Vilmos

    2010-01-01

    An emitter electrode with an electroactive poly(pyrrole) (PPy) polymer film coating was constructed for use in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The PPy film acted as a surface-attached redox buffer limiting the interfacial potential of the emitter electrode. While extensive oxidation of selected analytes (reserpine and amodiaquine) was observed in positive ion mode ESI using a bare metal (gold) emitter electrode, the oxidation was suppressed for these same analytes when using the PPy-coated electrode. A semi-quantitative relationship between the rate of oxidation observed and the interfacial potential of the emitter electrode was shown. The redox buffer capacity, and therefore themore » lifetime of the redox buffering effect, correlated with the oxidation potential of the analyte and with the magnitude of the film charge capacity. Online reduction of the PPy polymer layer using negative ion mode ESI between analyte injections was shown to successfully restore the redox buffering capacity of the polymer film to its initial state.« less

  7. Direct electrochemical oxidation of ammonia on graphite as a treatment option for stored source-separated urine.

    PubMed

    Zöllig, Hanspeter; Fritzsche, Cristina; Morgenroth, Eberhard; Udert, Kai M

    2015-02-01

    Electrolysis can be a viable technology for ammonia removal from source-separated urine. Compared to biological nitrogen removal, electrolysis is more robust and is highly amenable to automation, which makes it especially attractive for on-site reactors. In electrolytic wastewater treatment, ammonia is usually removed by indirect oxidation through active chlorine which is produced in-situ at elevated anode potentials. However, the evolution of chlorine can lead to the formation of chlorate, perchlorate, chlorinated organic by-products and chloramines that are toxic. This study focuses on using direct ammonia oxidation on graphite at low anode potentials in order to overcome the formation of toxic by-products. With the aid of cyclic voltammetry, we demonstrated that graphite is active for direct ammonia oxidation without concomitant chlorine formation if the anode potential is between 1.1 and 1.6 V vs. SHE (standard hydrogen electrode). A comparison of potentiostatic bulk electrolysis experiments in synthetic stored urine with and without chloride confirmed that ammonia was removed exclusively by continuous direct oxidation. Direct oxidation required high pH values (pH > 9) because free ammonia was the actual reactant. In real stored urine (pH = 9.0), an ammonia removal rate of 2.9 ± 0.3 gN·m(-2)·d(-1) was achieved and the specific energy demand was 42 Wh·gN(-1) at an anode potential of 1.31 V vs. SHE. The measurements of chlorate and perchlorate as well as selected chlorinated organic by-products confirmed that no chlorinated by-products were formed in real urine. Electrode corrosion through graphite exfoliation was prevented and the surface was not poisoned by intermediate oxidation products. We conclude that direct ammonia oxidation on graphite electrodes is a treatment option for source-separated urine with three major advantages: The formation of chlorinated by-products is prevented, less energy is consumed than in indirect ammonia oxidation and readily available and cheap graphite can be used as the electrode material. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Engineering Redox Potential of Lithium Clusters for Electrode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Kushwaha, Anoop Kumar; Sahoo, Mihir Ranjan; Nanda, Jagjit; ...

    2017-07-01

    Low negative electrode potential and high reactivity makes lithium (Li) ideal candidate for obtaining highest possible energy density among other materials. Here, we show a novel route with which the overall electrode potential could significantly be enhanced through selection of cluster size. In using first principles density functional theory and continuum dielectric model, we studied free energy and redox potential as well as investigated relative stability of Li n (n ≤ 8) clusters in both gas phase and solution. We found that Li 3 has the lowest negative redox potential (thereby highest overall electrode potential) suggesting that cluster based approachmore » could provide a novel way of engineering the next generation battery technology. The microscopic origin of Li 3 cluster’s superior performance is related to two major factors: gas phase ionization and difference between solvation free energy for neutral and positive ion. Taken together, our study provides insight into the engineering of redox potential in battery and could stimulate further work in this direction.« less

  9. Engineering Redox Potential of Lithium Clusters for Electrode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kushwaha, Anoop Kumar; Sahoo, Mihir Ranjan; Nanda, Jagjit

    Low negative electrode potential and high reactivity makes lithium (Li) ideal candidate for obtaining highest possible energy density among other materials. Here, we show a novel route with which the overall electrode potential could significantly be enhanced through selection of cluster size. In using first principles density functional theory and continuum dielectric model, we studied free energy and redox potential as well as investigated relative stability of Li n (n ≤ 8) clusters in both gas phase and solution. We found that Li 3 has the lowest negative redox potential (thereby highest overall electrode potential) suggesting that cluster based approachmore » could provide a novel way of engineering the next generation battery technology. The microscopic origin of Li 3 cluster’s superior performance is related to two major factors: gas phase ionization and difference between solvation free energy for neutral and positive ion. Taken together, our study provides insight into the engineering of redox potential in battery and could stimulate further work in this direction.« less

  10. A figure of merit for AMTEC electrodes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Underwood, M. L.; Williams, R. M.; Jeffries-Nakamura, B.; Ryan, M. A.

    1991-01-01

    As a method to compare the results of alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) electrode performance measured under different conditions, an AMTEC figure of merit called ZA is proposed. This figure of merit is the ratio of the experimental maximum power for an electrode to a calculated maximum power density as determined from a recently published electrode performance model. The calculation of a maximum power density assumes that certain loss terms in the electrode can be reduced to essentially zero by improved cell design and construction, and that the electrochemical exchange current is determined from a standard value. Other losses in the electrode are considered inherent to the electrode performance. Thus, these terms remain in the determination of the calculated maximum power. A value of ZA near one, then, indicates an electrode performance near the maximum possible performance. The primary limitation of this calculation is that the small electrode effect cannot be included. This effect leads to anomalously high values of ZA. Thus, the electrode area should be reported along with the figure of merit.

  11. Effect of Strong Acid Functional Groups on Electrode Rise Potential in Capacitive Mixing by Double Layer Expansion

    DOE PAGES

    Hatzell, Marta C.; Raju, Muralikrishna; Watson, Valerie J.; ...

    2014-11-03

    We report that the amount of salinity-gradient energy that can be obtained through capacitive mixing based on double layer expansion depends on the extent the electric double layer (EDL) is altered in a low salt concentration (LC) electrolyte (e.g., river water). We show that the electrode-rise potential, which is a measure of the EDL perturbation process, was significantly (P = 10 –5) correlated to the concentration of strong acid surface functional groups using five types of activated carbon. Electrodes with the lowest concentration of strong acids (0.05 mmol g –1) had a positive rise potential of 59 ± 4 mVmore » in the LC solution, whereas the carbon with the highest concentration (0.36 mmol g –1) had a negative rise potential (₋31 ± 5 mV). Chemical oxidation of a carbon (YP50) using nitric acid decreased the electrode rise potential from 46 ± 2 mV (unaltered) to ₋6 ± 0.5 mV (oxidized), producing a whole cell potential (53 ± 1.7 mV) that was 4.4 times larger than that obtained with identical electrode materials (from 12 ± 1 mV). Changes in the EDL were linked to the behavior of specific ions in a LC solution using molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations. The EDL expanded in the LC solution when a carbon surface (pristine graphene) lacked strong acid functional groups, producing a positive-rise potential at the electrode. In contrast, the EDL was compressed for an oxidized surface (graphene oxide), producing a negative-rise electrode potential. In conclusion, these results established the linkage between rise potentials and specific surface functional groups (strong acids) and demonstrated on a molecular scale changes in the EDL using oxidized or pristine carbons.« less

  12. Comparison of effectiveness between cork-screw and peg-screw electrodes for transcranial motor evoked potential monitoring using the finite element method.

    PubMed

    Tomio, Ryosuke; Akiyama, Takenori; Ohira, Takayuki; Yoshida, Kazunari

    2016-01-01

    Intraoperative monitoring of motor evoked potentials by transcranial electric stimulation is popular in neurosurgery for monitoring motor function preservation. Some authors have reported that the peg-screw electrodes screwed into the skull can more effectively conduct current to the brain compared to subdermal cork-screw electrodes screwed into the skin. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of electrode design on transcranial motor evoked potential monitoring. We estimated differences in effectiveness between the cork-screw electrode, peg-screw electrode, and cortical electrode to produce electric fields in the brain. We used the finite element method to visualize electric fields in the brain generated by transcranial electric stimulation using realistic three-dimensional head models developed from T1-weighted images. Surfaces from five layers of the head were separated as accurately as possible. We created the "cork-screws model," "1 peg-screw model," "peg-screws model," and "cortical electrode model". Electric fields in the brain radially diffused from the brain surface at a maximum just below the electrodes in coronal sections. The coronal sections and surface views of the brain showed higher electric field distributions under the peg-screw compared to the cork-screw. An extremely high electric field was observed under cortical electrodes. Our main finding was that the intensity of electric fields in the brain are higher in the peg-screw model than the cork-screw model.

  13. Application of a multiwalled carbon nanotube-chitosan composite as an electrode in the electrosorption process for water purification.

    PubMed

    Ma, Chih-Yu; Huang, Shih-Ching; Chou, Pei-Hsin; Den, Walter; Hou, Chia-Hung

    2016-03-01

    In this study, a multiwalled carbon nanotubes-chitosan (CNTs-CS) composite electrode was fabricated to enable water purification by electrosorption. The CNTs-CS composite electrode was shown to possess excellent capacitive behaviors and good pore accessibility by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and cyclic voltammetry measurements in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte. Moreover, the CNTs-CS composite electrode showed promising performance for capacitive water desalination. At an electric potential of 1.2 V, the electrosorption capacity and electrosorption rate of NaCl ions on the CNTs-CS composite electrode were determined to be 10.7 mg g(-1) and 0.051 min(-1), respectively, which were considerably higher than those of conventional activated electrodes. The improved electrosorption performance could be ascribed to the existence of mesopores. Additionally, the feasibility of electrosorptive removal of aniline from an aqueous solution has been demonstrated. Upon polarization at 0.6 V, the CNTs-CS composite electrode had a larger electrosorption capacity of 26.4 mg g(-1) and a higher electrosorption rate of 0.006 min(-1) for aniline compared with the open circuit condition. The enhanced adsorption resulted from the improved affinity between aniline and the electrode under electrochemical assistance involving a nonfaradic process. Consequently, the CNT-CS composite electrode, exhibiting typical double-layer capacitor behavior and a sufficient potential range, can be a potential electrode material for application in the electrosorption process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Bulk and interfacial structures of reline deep eutectic solvent: A molecular dynamics study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaur, Supreet; Sharma, Shobha; Kashyap, Hemant K.

    2017-11-01

    We apply all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to describe the bulk morphology and interfacial structure of reline, a deep eutectic solvent comprising choline chloride and urea in 1:2 molar ratio, near neutral and charged graphene electrodes. For the bulk phase structural investigation, we analyze the simulated real-space radial distribution functions, X-ray/neutron scattering structure functions, and their partial components. Our study shows that both hydrogen-bonding and long-range correlations between different constituents of reline play a crucial role to lay out the bulk structure of reline. Further, we examine the variation of number density profiles, orientational order parameters, and electrostatic potentials near the neutral and charged graphene electrodes with varying electrode charge density. The present study reveals the presence of profound structural layering of not only the ionic components of reline but also urea near the electrodes. In addition, depending on the electrode charge density, the choline ions and urea molecules render different orientations near the electrodes. The simulated number density and electrostatic potential profiles for reline clearly show the presence of multilayer structures up to a distance of 1.2 nm from the respective electrodes. The observation of positive values of the surface potential at zero charge indicates the presence of significant nonelectrostatic attraction between the choline cation and graphene electrode. The computed differential capacitance (Cd) for reline exhibits an asymmetric bell-shaped curve, signifying different variation of Cd with positive and negative surface potentials.

  15. Bulk and interfacial structures of reline deep eutectic solvent: A molecular dynamics study.

    PubMed

    Kaur, Supreet; Sharma, Shobha; Kashyap, Hemant K

    2017-11-21

    We apply all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to describe the bulk morphology and interfacial structure of reline, a deep eutectic solvent comprising choline chloride and urea in 1:2 molar ratio, near neutral and charged graphene electrodes. For the bulk phase structural investigation, we analyze the simulated real-space radial distribution functions, X-ray/neutron scattering structure functions, and their partial components. Our study shows that both hydrogen-bonding and long-range correlations between different constituents of reline play a crucial role to lay out the bulk structure of reline. Further, we examine the variation of number density profiles, orientational order parameters, and electrostatic potentials near the neutral and charged graphene electrodes with varying electrode charge density. The present study reveals the presence of profound structural layering of not only the ionic components of reline but also urea near the electrodes. In addition, depending on the electrode charge density, the choline ions and urea molecules render different orientations near the electrodes. The simulated number density and electrostatic potential profiles for reline clearly show the presence of multilayer structures up to a distance of 1.2 nm from the respective electrodes. The observation of positive values of the surface potential at zero charge indicates the presence of significant nonelectrostatic attraction between the choline cation and graphene electrode. The computed differential capacitance (C d ) for reline exhibits an asymmetric bell-shaped curve, signifying different variation of C d with positive and negative surface potentials.

  16. Treatment of As(V) and As(III) by electrocoagulation using Al and Fe electrode.

    PubMed

    Kuan, W H; Hu, C Y; Chiang, M C

    2009-01-01

    A batch electrocoagulation (EC) process with bipolar electrode and potentiodynamic polarization tests with monopolar systems were investigated as methods to explore the effects of electrode materials and initial solution pH on the As(V) and As(III) removal. The results displayed that the system with Al electrode has higher reaction rate during the initial period from 0 to 25 minutes than that of Fe electrode for alkaline condition. The pH increased with the EC time because the As(V) and As(III) removal by either co-precipitation or adsorption resulted in that the OH positions in Al-hydroxide or Fe-hydroxide were substituted by As(V) and As(III). The pH in Fe electrode system elevate higher than that in Al electrode because the As(V) removal substitutes more OH position in Fe-hydroxide than that in Al-hydroxide. EC system with Fe electrode can successfully remove the As(III) but system with Al electrode cannot because As(III) can strongly bind to the surface of Fe-hydroxide with forming inner-sphere species but weakly adsorb to the Al-hydroxide surface with forming outer-sphere species. The acidic solution can destroy the deposited hydroxide passive film then allow the metallic ions liberate into the solution, therefore, the acidic initial solution can enhance the As(V) and As(III) removal. The over potential calculation and potentiodynamic polarization tests reveal that the Fe electrode systems possess higher over potential and pitting potential than that of Al electrode system due to the fast hydrolysis of and the occurrence of Fe-hydroxide passive film.

  17. An ion-selective electrode method for determination of chlorine in geological materials

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Aruscavage, P. J.; Campbell, E.Y.

    1983-01-01

    A method is presented for the determination of chlorine in geological materials, in which a chloride-selective ion electrode is used after decomposition of the sample with hydrofluoric acid and separation of chlorine in a gas-diffusion cell. Data are presented for 30 geological standard materials. The relative standard deviation of the method is estimated to be better than 8% for amounts of chloride of 10 ??g and greater. ?? 1983.

  18. Multi-scale analysis of neural activity in humans: Implications for micro-scale electrocorticography.

    PubMed

    Kellis, Spencer; Sorensen, Larry; Darvas, Felix; Sayres, Conor; O'Neill, Kevin; Brown, Richard B; House, Paul; Ojemann, Jeff; Greger, Bradley

    2016-01-01

    Electrocorticography grids have been used to study and diagnose neural pathophysiology for over 50 years, and recently have been used for various neural prosthetic applications. Here we provide evidence that micro-scale electrodes are better suited for studying cortical pathology and function, and for implementing neural prostheses. This work compares dynamics in space, time, and frequency of cortical field potentials recorded by three types of electrodes: electrocorticographic (ECoG) electrodes, non-penetrating micro-ECoG (μECoG) electrodes that use microelectrodes and have tighter interelectrode spacing; and penetrating microelectrodes (MEA) that penetrate the cortex to record single- or multiunit activity (SUA or MUA) and local field potentials (LFP). While the finest spatial scales are found in LFPs recorded intracortically, we found that LFP recorded from μECoG electrodes demonstrate scales of linear similarity (i.e., correlation, coherence, and phase) closer to the intracortical electrodes than the clinical ECoG electrodes. We conclude that LFPs can be recorded intracortically and epicortically at finer scales than clinical ECoG electrodes are capable of capturing. Recorded with appropriately scaled electrodes and grids, field potentials expose a more detailed representation of cortical network activity, enabling advanced analyses of cortical pathology and demanding applications such as brain-computer interfaces. Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. The optimal distance between two electrode tips during recording of compound nerve action potentials in the rat median nerve

    PubMed Central

    Li, Yongping; Lao, Jie; Zhao, Xin; Tian, Dong; Zhu, Yi; Wei, Xiaochun

    2014-01-01

    The distance between the two electrode tips can greatly influence the parameters used for recording compound nerve action potentials. To investigate the optimal parameters for these recordings in the rat median nerve, we dissociated the nerve using different methods and compound nerve action potentials were orthodromically or antidromically recorded with different electrode spacings. Compound nerve action potentials could be consistently recorded using a method in which the middle part of the median nerve was intact, with both ends dissociated from the surrounding fascia and a ground wire inserted into the muscle close to the intact part. When the distance between two stimulating electrode tips was increased, the threshold and supramaximal stimulating intensity of compound nerve action potentials were gradually decreased, but the amplitude was not changed significantly. When the distance between two recording electrode tips was increased, the amplitude was gradually increased, but the threshold and supramaximal stimulating intensity exhibited no significant change. Different distances between recording and stimulating sites did not produce significant effects on the aforementioned parameters. A distance of 5 mm between recording and stimulating electrodes and a distance of 10 mm between recording and stimulating sites were found to be optimal for compound nerve action potential recording in the rat median nerve. In addition, the orthodromic compound action potential, with a biphasic waveform that was more stable and displayed less interference (however also required a higher threshold and higher supramaximal stimulus), was found to be superior to the antidromic compound action potential. PMID:25206798

  20. The Role of Electrode-Catalyst Interactions in Enabling Efficient CO2 Reduction with Mo(bpy)(CO)4 As Revealed by Vibrational Sum-Frequency Generation Spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Neri, Gaia; Donaldson, Paul M; Cowan, Alexander J

    2017-10-04

    Group 6 metal carbonyl complexes ([M(bpy)(CO) 4 ], M = Cr, Mo, W) are potentially promising CO 2 reduction electrocatalysts. However, catalytic activity onsets at prohibitively negative potentials and is highly dependent on the nature of the working electrode. Here we report in situ vibrational SFG (VSFG) measurements of the electrocatalyst [Mo(bpy)(CO) 4 ] at platinum and gold electrodes. The greatly improved onset potential for electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction at gold electrodes is due to the formation of the catalytically active species [Mo(bpy)(CO) 3 ] 2- via a second pathway at more positive potentials, likely avoiding the need for the generation of [Mo(bpy)(CO) 4 ] 2- . VSFG studies demonstrate that the strength of the interaction between initially generated [Mo(bpy)(CO) 4 ] •- and the electrode is critical in enabling the formation of the active catalyst via the low energy pathway. By careful control of electrode material, solvent and electrolyte salt, it should therefore be possible to attain levels of activity with group 6 complexes equivalent to their much more widely studied group 7 analogues.

  1. Electrotonic potentials in Aloe vera L.: Effects of intercellular and external electrodes arrangement.

    PubMed

    Volkov, Alexander G; Nyasani, Eunice K; Tuckett, Clayton; Scott, Jessenia M; Jackson, Mariah M Z; Greeman, Esther A; Greenidge, Ariane S; Cohen, Devin O; Volkova, Maia I; Shtessel, Yuri B

    2017-02-01

    Electrostimulation of plants can induce plant movements, activation of ion channels, ion transport, gene expression, enzymatic systems activation, electrical signaling, plant-cell damage, enhanced wound healing, and influence plant growth. Here we found that electrical networks in plant tissues have electrical differentiators. The amplitude of electrical responses decreases along a leaf and increases by decreasing the distance between polarizing Pt-electrodes. Intercellular Ag/AgCl electrodes inserted in a leaf and extracellular Ag/AgCl electrodes attached to the leaf surface were used to detect the electrotonic potential propagation along a leaf of Aloe vera. There is a difference in duration and amplitude of electrical potentials measured by electrodes inserted in a leaf and those attached to a leaf's surface. If the external reference electrode is located in the soil near the root, it changes the amplitude and duration of electrotonic potentials due to existence of additional resistance, capacitance, ion channels and ion pumps in the root. The information gained from this study can be used to elucidate extracellular and intercellular communication in the form of electrical signals within plants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. NiCd battery electrodes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Holleck, G.; Turchan, M.; Hopkins, J.

    1972-01-01

    The objective of this research program was to develop and evaluate electrodes for a negative limited nickel-cadmium cell and to prove its feasibility. The program consisted of three phases: (1) the development of cadmium electrodes with high hydrogen overvoltage characteristics, (2) the testing of positive and negative plates, and (3) the fabrication and testing of complete negative limited NiCd cells. The following electrode structures were manufactured and their physical and electrochemical characteristics were evaluated: (1) silver sinter-based Cd electrodes, (2) Teflon-bonded Cd electrodes, (3) electrodeposited Cd sponge, and (4) Cd-sinter structures. All cadmium electrode structures showed a sharp increase in potential at the end of charge, with the advent of hydrogen evolution occurring at approximately -1.3 V versus Hg/HgO. The hydrogen advent potentials on pure cadmium structures were 50 to 70 mV more cathodic than those of their silver-containing counterparts.

  3. Ground potential rise monitor

    DOEpatents

    Allen, Zachery Warren; Zevenbergen, Gary Allen

    2012-07-17

    A device and method for detecting ground potential rise (GPR) comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a voltage attenuator. The first electrode and the second electrode are both electrically connected to the voltage attenuator. A means for determining the presence of a dangerous ground potential is connected to the voltage attenuator. The device and method further comprises a means for enabling one or more alarms upon the detection of the dangerous ground potential. Preferably, a first transmitter/receiver is connected to the means for enabling one or more alarms. Preferably, a second transmitter/receiver, comprising a button, is electromagnetically connected to the first transmitter/receiver. Preferably, the means for determining the presence of a dangerous ground potential comprises a means for determining the true RMS voltage at the output of the voltage attenuator, a transient detector connected to the output of the voltage attenuator, or a combination thereof.

  4. Effect of EEG electrode density on dipole localization accuracy using two realistically shaped skull resistivity models.

    PubMed

    Laarne, P H; Tenhunen-Eskelinen, M L; Hyttinen, J K; Eskola, H J

    2000-01-01

    The effect of number of EEG electrodes on the dipole localization was studied by comparing the results obtained using the 10-20 and 10-10 electrode systems. Two anatomically detailed models with resistivity values of 177.6 omega m and 67.0 omega m for the skull were applied. Simulated potential values generated by current dipoles were applied to different combinations of the volume conductors and electrode systems. High and low resistivity models differed slightly in favour of the lower skull resistivity model when dipole localization was based on noiseless data. The localization errors were approximately three times larger using low resistivity model for generating the potentials, but applying high resistivity model for the inverse solution. The difference between the two electrode systems was minor in favour of the 10-10 electrode system when simulated, noiseless potentials were used. In the presence of noise the dipole localization algorithm operated more accurately using the denser electrode system. In conclusion, increasing the number of recording electrodes seems to improve the localization accuracy in the presence of noise. The absolute skull resistivity value also affects the accuracy, but using an incorrect value in modelling calculations seems to be the most serious source of error.

  5. Continuous decoding of human grasp kinematics using epidural and subdural signals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Flint, Robert D.; Rosenow, Joshua M.; Tate, Matthew C.; Slutzky, Marc W.

    2017-02-01

    Objective. Restoring or replacing function in paralyzed individuals will one day be achieved through the use of brain-machine interfaces. Regaining hand function is a major goal for paralyzed patients. Two competing prerequisites for the widespread adoption of any hand neuroprosthesis are accurate control over the fine details of movement, and minimized invasiveness. Here, we explore the interplay between these two goals by comparing our ability to decode hand movements with subdural and epidural field potentials (EFPs). Approach. We measured the accuracy of decoding continuous hand and finger kinematics during naturalistic grasping motions in five human subjects. We recorded subdural surface potentials (electrocorticography; ECoG) as well as with EFPs, with both standard- and high-resolution electrode arrays. Main results. In all five subjects, decoding of continuous kinematics significantly exceeded chance, using either EGoG or EFPs. ECoG decoding accuracy compared favorably with prior investigations of grasp kinematics (mean ± SD grasp aperture variance accounted for was 0.54 ± 0.05 across all subjects, 0.75 ± 0.09 for the best subject). In general, EFP decoding performed comparably to ECoG decoding. The 7-20 Hz and 70-115 Hz spectral bands contained the most information about grasp kinematics, with the 70-115 Hz band containing greater information about more subtle movements. Higher-resolution recording arrays provided clearly superior performance compared to standard-resolution arrays. Significance. To approach the fine motor control achieved by an intact brain-body system, it will be necessary to execute motor intent on a continuous basis with high accuracy. The current results demonstrate that this level of accuracy might be achievable not just with ECoG, but with EFPs as well. Epidural placement of electrodes is less invasive, and therefore may incur less risk of encephalitis or stroke than subdural placement of electrodes. Accurately decoding motor commands at the epidural level may be an important step towards a clinically viable brain-machine interface.

  6. Correction of electrode modelling errors in multi-frequency EIT imaging.

    PubMed

    Jehl, Markus; Holder, David

    2016-06-01

    The differentiation of haemorrhagic from ischaemic stroke using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) requires measurements at multiple frequencies, since the general lack of healthy measurements on the same patient excludes time-difference imaging methods. It has previously been shown that the inaccurate modelling of electrodes constitutes one of the largest sources of image artefacts in non-linear multi-frequency EIT applications. To address this issue, we augmented the conductivity Jacobian matrix with a Jacobian matrix with respect to electrode movement. Using this new algorithm, simulated ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes in a realistic head model were reconstructed for varying degrees of electrode position errors. The simultaneous recovery of conductivity spectra and electrode positions removed most artefacts caused by inaccurately modelled electrodes. Reconstructions were stable for electrode position errors of up to 1.5 mm standard deviation along both surface dimensions. We conclude that this method can be used for electrode model correction in multi-frequency EIT.

  7. Anodic stripping voltammetry of gold nanoparticles at boron-doped diamond electrodes and its application in immunochromatographic strip tests.

    PubMed

    Ivandini, Tribidasari A; Wicaksono, Wiyogo P; Saepudin, Endang; Rismetov, Bakhadir; Einaga, Yasuaki

    2015-03-01

    Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) of colloidal gold-nanoparticles (AuNPs) was investigated at boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes in 50 mM HClO4. A deposition time of 300 s at-0.2 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) was fixed as the condition for the ASV. The voltammograms showed oxidation peaks that could be attributed to the oxidation of gold. These oxidation peaks were then investigated for potential application in immunochromatographic strip tests for the selective and quantitative detection of melamine, in which AuNPs were used as the label for the antibody of melamine. Linear regression of the oxidation peak currents appeared in the concentration range from 0.05-0.6 μg/mL melamine standard, with an estimated LOD of 0.069 μg/mL and an average relative standard deviation of 8.0%. This indicated that the method could be considered as an alternative method for selective and quantitative immunochromatographic applications. The validity was examined by the measurements of melamine injected into milk samples, which showed good recovery percentages during the measurements. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Methane–oxygen electrochemical coupling in an ionic liquid: a robust sensor for simultaneous quantification†

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Zhe; Guo, Min; Baker, Gary A.; Stetter, Joseph R.; Lin, Lu; Mason, Andrew J.

    2017-01-01

    Current sensor devices for the detection of methane or natural gas emission are either expensive and have high power requirements or fail to provide a rapid response. This report describes an electrochemical methane sensor utilizing a non-volatile and conductive pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte and an innovative internal standard method for methane and oxygen dual-gas detection with high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. At a platinum electrode in bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (NTf2)-based ILs, methane is electro-oxidized to produce CO2 and water when an oxygen reduction process is included. The in situ generated CO2 arising from methane oxidation was shown to provide an excellent internal standard for quantification of the electrochemical oxygen sensor signal. The simultaneous quantification of both methane and oxygen in real time strengthens the reliability of the measurements by cross-validation of two ambient gases occurring within a single sample matrix and allows for the elimination of several types of random and systematic errors in the detection. We have also validated this IL-based methane sensor employing both conventional solid macroelectrodes and flexible microfabricated electrodes using single- and double-potential step chronoamperometry. PMID:25093213

  9. Action potentials contribute to epileptic high-frequency oscillations recorded with electrodes remote from neurons.

    PubMed

    Kobayashi, Katsuhiro; Akiyama, Tomoyuki; Ohmori, Iori; Yoshinaga, Harumi; Gotman, Jean

    2015-05-01

    The importance of epileptic high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) in electroencephalogram (EEG) is growing. Action potentials generating some HFOs are observed in the vicinity of neurons in experimental animals. However electrodes that are remote from neurons, as in case of clinical situations, should not record action potentials. We propose to resolve this question by a realistic simulation of epileptic neuronal network. The rat dentate gyrus with sclerosis was simulated in silico. We computed the current dipole moment generated by each granule cell and the field potentials in a measurement area far from neurons. The dentate gyrus was stimulated through synaptic input to evoke discharges resembling interictal epileptiform discharges, which had superimposed HFOs⩽295Hz that were recordable with remote electrodes and represented bursts of action potentials of granule cells. The increase in power of HFOs was associated with the progression of sclerosis, the reduction of GABAergic inhibition, and the increase in cell connectivity. Spectral frequency of HFOs had similar tendencies. HFOs recorded with electrodes remote from neurons could actually be generated by clusters of action potentials. The phenomenon of action potentials recorded with remote electrodes can possibly extend the clinical meaning of EEG. Copyright © 2014 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Raman mapping and in situ SERS spectroelectrochemical studies of 6-mercaptopurine SAMs on the gold electrode.

    PubMed

    Yang, Haifeng; Liu, Yanli; Liu, Zhimin; Yang, Yu; Jiang, Jianhui; Zhang, Zongrang; Shen, Guoli; Yu, Ruqin

    2005-02-24

    The self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) were formed at the roughened polycrystalline gold surfaces in acid and alkaline media. The time-dependent Raman mapping spectral analysis in conjunction with the quantum calculations for the vibrational modes using ab initio BLYP/6-31G method suggested that both of the resulted 6MP SAMs adopted the same adsorption mode through the S atom of pyrimidine moiety and the N7 atom of the imidazole moiety anchoring the gold surface in a vertical way. The in situ surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroelectrochemical experiment was conducted to examine the stability of the SAMs at various bias potentials. It was found that the detaching process of the 6MP SAMs from the surface involved one electron reduction as the voltage was applied at ca. 0.7 V vs a standard calomel electrode.

  11. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ruther, Rose E.; Sun, Che -Nan; Holliday, Adam

    A simple electrolyte consisting of NaPF 6 salt in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) can extend the voltage window of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) to >3.5 V. DME does not passivate carbon electrodes at very negative potentials (near Na/Na +), extending the practical voltage window by about 1.0 V compared to standard, non-aqueous electrolytes based on acetonitrile. The voltage window is demonstrated in two- and three-electrode cells using a combination of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), charge-discharge cycling, and measurements of leakage current. DME-based electrolytes cannot match the high conductivity of acetonitrile solutions, but they can satisfy applications that demand high energy density atmore » moderate power. The conductivity of NaPF 6 in DME is comparable to commercial lithium-ion battery electrolytes and superior to most ionic liquids. Lastly, factors that limit the voltage window and EDLC energy density are discussed, and strategies to further boost energy density are proposed.« less

  12. First-principles spin-transfer torque in CuMnAs |GaP |CuMnAs junctions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stamenova, Maria; Mohebbi, Razie; Seyed-Yazdi, Jamileh; Rungger, Ivan; Sanvito, Stefano

    2017-02-01

    We demonstrate that an all-antiferromagnetic tunnel junction with current perpendicular to the plane geometry can be used as an efficient spintronic device with potential high-frequency operation. By using state-of-the-art density functional theory combined with quantum transport, we show that the Néel vector of the electrodes can be manipulated by spin-transfer torque. This is staggered over the two different magnetic sublattices and can generate dynamics and switching. At the same time the different magnetization states of the junction can be read by standard tunneling magnetoresistance. Calculations are performed for CuMnAs |GaP |CuMnAs junctions with different surface terminations between the antiferromagnetic CuMnAs electrodes and the insulating GaP spacer. We find that the torque remains staggered regardless of the termination, while the magnetoresistance depends on the microscopic details of the interface.

  13. Bioresorbable silicon electronics for transient spatiotemporal mapping of electrical activity from the cerebral cortex.

    PubMed

    Yu, Ki Jun; Kuzum, Duygu; Hwang, Suk-Won; Kim, Bong Hoon; Juul, Halvor; Kim, Nam Heon; Won, Sang Min; Chiang, Ken; Trumpis, Michael; Richardson, Andrew G; Cheng, Huanyu; Fang, Hui; Thomson, Marissa; Bink, Hank; Talos, Delia; Seo, Kyung Jin; Lee, Hee Nam; Kang, Seung-Kyun; Kim, Jae-Hwan; Lee, Jung Yup; Huang, Younggang; Jensen, Frances E; Dichter, Marc A; Lucas, Timothy H; Viventi, Jonathan; Litt, Brian; Rogers, John A

    2016-07-01

    Bioresorbable silicon electronics technology offers unprecedented opportunities to deploy advanced implantable monitoring systems that eliminate risks, cost and discomfort associated with surgical extraction. Applications include postoperative monitoring and transient physiologic recording after percutaneous or minimally invasive placement of vascular, cardiac, orthopaedic, neural or other devices. We present an embodiment of these materials in both passive and actively addressed arrays of bioresorbable silicon electrodes with multiplexing capabilities, which record in vivo electrophysiological signals from the cortical surface and the subgaleal space. The devices detect normal physiologic and epileptiform activity, both in acute and chronic recordings. Comparative studies show sensor performance comparable to standard clinical systems and reduced tissue reactivity relative to conventional clinical electrocorticography (ECoG) electrodes. This technology offers general applicability in neural interfaces, with additional potential utility in treatment of disorders where transient monitoring and modulation of physiologic function, implant integrity and tissue recovery or regeneration are required.

  14. Determination of nitrobenzene in wastewater using a hanging mercury drop electrode.

    PubMed

    Liang, Shu-Xuan; Zhang, Huan-Kun; Lu, Da

    2007-06-01

    The determination of trace amount nitrobenzene in wastewater on a hanging mercury drop electrode was studied. The determination conditions of pH, supporting electrolyte, accumulation potential, accumulation time, and voltammetric response were optimized. The sharp peak of the nitrobenzene was appeared at 0.05 V. The peak electric current was proportional to the concentration of nitrobenzene in the range of 1.47 x 10(-5) approximately 1.0 x 10(-3) mol/l with relative standard deviations of 3.99 approximately 8.94%. The detection limit of the nitrobenzene in water was 5 x 10(-6) mol/l. The proposed method offered low limit of determination, easy operation, the use of simple instrumentation, high sensitivity and good reproducibility. It was applied to the determination of nitrobenzene in wastewater with an average recovery of 94.0% approximately 105%. The proposed method provided fast, sensitive and sometimes real time detection of nitrobenzene.

  15. Electrically driven cation exchange for in situ fabrication of individual nanostructures

    DOE PAGES

    Zhang, Qiubo; Yin, Kuibo; Dong, Hui; ...

    2017-04-12

    Cation exchange (CE) has been recognized as a particularly powerful tool for the synthesis of heterogeneous nanocrystals. Presently, CE can be divided into two categories, namely ion solvation-driven CE reaction and thermally activated CE reaction. Here we report an electrically driven CE reaction to prepare individual nanostructures inside a transmission electron microscope. During the process, Cd is eliminated due to Ohmic heating, whereas Cu + migrates into the crystal driven by the electrical field force. Contrast experiments reveal that the feasibility of electrically driven CE is determined by the structural similarity of the sulfur sublattices between the initial and finalmore » phases, and the standard electrode potentials of the active electrodes. These experimental results demonstrate a strategy for the selective growth of individual nanocrystals and provide crucial insights into understanding of the microscopic pathways leading to the formation of heterogeneous structures.« less

  16. An EEG (electroencephalogram) recording system with carbon wire electrodes for simultaneous EEG-fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) recording

    PubMed Central

    Negishi, Michiro; Abildgaard, Mark; Laufer, Ilan; Nixon, Terry; Constable, Robert Todd

    2008-01-01

    Simultaneous EEG-fMRI (Electroencephalography-functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) recording provides a means for acquiring high temporal resolution electrophysiological data and high spatial resolution metabolic data of the brain in the same experimental runs. Carbon wire electrodes (not metallic EEG electrodes with carbon wire leads) are suitable for simultaneous EEG-fMRI recording, because they cause less RF (radio-frequency) heating and susceptibility artifacts than metallic electrodes. These characteristics are especially desirable for recording the EEG in high field MRI scanners. Carbon wire electrodes are also comfortable to wear during long recording sessions. However, carbon electrodes have high electrode-electrolyte potentials compared to widely used Ag/AgCl (silver/silver-chloride) electrodes, which may cause slow voltage drifts. This paper introduces a prototype EEG recording system with carbon wire electrodes and a circuit that suppresses the slow voltage drift. The system was tested for the voltage drift, RF heating, susceptibility artifact, and impedance, and was also evaluated in a simultaneous ERP (event-related potential)-fMRI experiment. PMID:18588913

  17. Freestanding and flexible graphene papers as bioelectrochemical cathode for selective and efficient CO2 conversion.

    PubMed

    Aryal, Nabin; Halder, Arnab; Zhang, Minwei; Whelan, Patrick R; Tremblay, Pier-Luc; Chi, Qijin; Zhang, Tian

    2017-08-22

    During microbial electrosynthesis (MES) driven CO 2 reduction, cathode plays a vital role by donating electrons to microbe. Here, we exploited the advantage of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) paper as novel cathode material to enhance electron transfer between the cathode and microbe, which in turn facilitated CO 2 reduction. The acetate production rate of Sporomusa ovata-driven MES reactors was 168.5 ± 22.4 mmol m -2 d -1 with RGO paper cathodes poised at -690 mV versus standard hydrogen electrode. This rate was approximately 8 fold faster than for carbon paper electrodes of the same dimension. The current density with RGO paper cathodes of 2580 ± 540 mA m -2 was increased 7 fold compared to carbon paper cathodes. This also corresponded to a better cathodic current response on their cyclic voltammetric curves. The coulombic efficiency for the electrons conversion into acetate was 90.7 ± 9.3% with RGO paper cathodes and 83.8 ± 4.2% with carbon paper cathodes, respectively. Furthermore, more intensive cell attachment was observed on RGO paper electrodes than on carbon paper electrodes with confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These results highlight the potential of RGO paper as a promising cathode for MES from CO 2 .

  18. A statistically robust EEG re-referencing procedure to mitigate reference effect

    PubMed Central

    Lepage, Kyle Q.; Kramer, Mark A.; Chu, Catherine J.

    2014-01-01

    Background The electroencephalogram (EEG) remains the primary tool for diagnosis of abnormal brain activity in clinical neurology and for in vivo recordings of human neurophysiology in neuroscience research. In EEG data acquisition, voltage is measured at positions on the scalp with respect to a reference electrode. When this reference electrode responds to electrical activity or artifact all electrodes are affected. Successful analysis of EEG data often involves re-referencing procedures that modify the recorded traces and seek to minimize the impact of reference electrode activity upon functions of the original EEG recordings. New method We provide a novel, statistically robust procedure that adapts a robust maximum-likelihood type estimator to the problem of reference estimation, reduces the influence of neural activity from the re-referencing operation, and maintains good performance in a wide variety of empirical scenarios. Results The performance of the proposed and existing re-referencing procedures are validated in simulation and with examples of EEG recordings. To facilitate this comparison, channel-to-channel correlations are investigated theoretically and in simulation. Comparison with existing methods The proposed procedure avoids using data contaminated by neural signal and remains unbiased in recording scenarios where physical references, the common average reference (CAR) and the reference estimation standardization technique (REST) are not optimal. Conclusion The proposed procedure is simple, fast, and avoids the potential for substantial bias when analyzing low-density EEG data. PMID:24975291

  19. Assembling a supercapacitor electrode with dual metal oxides and activated carbon using a liquid phase plasma.

    PubMed

    Ki, Seo Jin; Jeon, Ki-Joon; Park, Young-Kwon; Park, Hyunwoong; Jeong, Sangmin; Lee, Heon; Jung, Sang-Chul

    2017-12-01

    Developing supercapacitor electrodes at an affordable cost while improving their energy and/or power density values is still a challenging task. This study introduced a recipe which assembled a novel electrode composite using a liquid phase plasma that was applied to a reactant solution containing an activated carbon (AC) powder with dual metal precursors of iron and manganese. A comparison was made between the composites doped with single and dual metal components as well as among those synthesized under different precursor concentrations and plasma durations. The results showed that increasing the precursor concentration and plasma duration raised the content of both metal oxides in the composites, whereas the deposition conditions were more favorable to iron oxide than manganese oxide, due to its higher standard potential. The composite treated with the longest plasma duration and highest manganese concentration was superior to the others in terms of cyclic stability and equivalent series resistance. In addition, the new composite selected out of them showed better electrochemical performance than the raw AC material only and even two types of single metal-based composites, owing largely to the synergistic effect of the two metal oxides. Therefore, the proposed methodology can be used to modify existing and future composite electrodes to improve their performance with relatively cheap host and guest materials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Effect of EEG Referencing Methods on Auditory Mismatch Negativity

    PubMed Central

    Mahajan, Yatin; Peter, Varghese; Sharma, Mridula

    2017-01-01

    Auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) have consistently been used in the investigation of auditory and cognitive processing in the research and clinical laboratories. There is currently no consensus on the choice of appropriate reference for auditory ERPs. The most commonly used references in auditory ERP research are the mathematically linked-mastoids (LM) and average referencing (AVG). Since LM and AVG referencing procedures do not solve the issue of electrically-neutral reference, Reference Electrode Standardization Technique (REST) was developed to create a neutral reference for EEG recordings. The aim of the current research is to compare the influence of the reference on amplitude and latency of auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) as a function of magnitude of frequency deviance across three commonly used electrode montages (16, 32, and 64-channel) using REST, LM, and AVG reference procedures. The current study was designed to determine if the three reference methods capture the variation in amplitude and latency of MMN with the deviance magnitude. We recorded MMN from 12 normal hearing young adults in an auditory oddball paradigm with 1,000 Hz pure tone as standard and 1,030, 1,100, and 1,200 Hz as small, medium and large frequency deviants, respectively. The EEG data recorded to these sounds was re-referenced using REST, LM, and AVG methods across 16-, 32-, and 64-channel EEG electrode montages. Results revealed that while the latency of MMN decreased with increment in frequency of deviant sounds, no effect of frequency deviance was present for amplitude of MMN. There was no effect of referencing procedure on the experimental effect tested. The amplitude of MMN was largest when the ERP was computed using LM referencing and the REST referencing produced the largest amplitude of MMN for 64-channel montage. There was no effect of electrode-montage on AVG referencing induced ERPs. Contrary to our predictions, the results suggest that the auditory MMN elicited as a function of increments in frequency deviance does not depend on the choice of referencing procedure. The results also suggest that auditory ERPs generated using REST referencing is contingent on the electrode arrays more than the AVG referencing. PMID:29066945

  1. Analytical and numerical solutions of the potential and electric field generated by different electrode arrays in a tumor tissue under electrotherapy

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Electrotherapy is a relatively well established and efficient method of tumor treatment. In this paper we focus on analytical and numerical calculations of the potential and electric field distributions inside a tumor tissue in a two-dimensional model (2D-model) generated by means of electrode arrays with shapes of different conic sections (ellipse, parabola and hyperbola). Methods Analytical calculations of the potential and electric field distributions based on 2D-models for different electrode arrays are performed by solving the Laplace equation, meanwhile the numerical solution is solved by means of finite element method in two dimensions. Results Both analytical and numerical solutions reveal significant differences between the electric field distributions generated by electrode arrays with shapes of circle and different conic sections (elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic). Electrode arrays with circular, elliptical and hyperbolic shapes have the advantage of concentrating the electric field lines in the tumor. Conclusion The mathematical approach presented in this study provides a useful tool for the design of electrode arrays with different shapes of conic sections by means of the use of the unifying principle. At the same time, we verify the good correspondence between the analytical and numerical solutions for the potential and electric field distributions generated by the electrode array with different conic sections. PMID:21943385

  2. Temporary-tattoo for long-term high fidelity biopotential recordings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bareket, Lilach; Inzelberg, Lilah; Rand, David; David-Pur, Moshe; Rabinovich, David; Brandes, Barak; Hanein, Yael

    2016-05-01

    Electromyography is a non-invasive method widely used to map muscle activation. For decades, it was commonly accepted that dry metallic electrodes establish poor electrode-skin contact, making them impractical for skin electromyography applications. Gelled electrodes are therefore the standard in electromyography with their use confined, almost entirely, to laboratory settings. Here we present novel dry electrodes, exhibiting outstanding electromyography recording along with excellent user comfort. The electrodes were realized using screen-printing of carbon ink on a soft support. The conformity of the electrodes helps establish direct contact with the skin, making the use of a gel superfluous. Plasma polymerized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene was used to enhance the impedance of the electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed an increase in electrode capacitance by a factor of up to 100 in wet conditions. Impedance measurements show a reduction factor of 10 in electrode impedance on human skin. The suitability of the electrodes for long-term electromyography recordings from the hand and from the face is demonstrated. The presented electrodes are ideally-suited for many applications, such as brain-machine interfacing, muscle diagnostics, post-injury rehabilitation, and gaming.

  3. Temporary-tattoo for long-term high fidelity biopotential recordings

    PubMed Central

    Bareket, Lilach; Inzelberg, Lilah; Rand, David; David-Pur, Moshe; Rabinovich, David; Brandes, Barak; Hanein, Yael

    2016-01-01

    Electromyography is a non-invasive method widely used to map muscle activation. For decades, it was commonly accepted that dry metallic electrodes establish poor electrode-skin contact, making them impractical for skin electromyography applications. Gelled electrodes are therefore the standard in electromyography with their use confined, almost entirely, to laboratory settings. Here we present novel dry electrodes, exhibiting outstanding electromyography recording along with excellent user comfort. The electrodes were realized using screen-printing of carbon ink on a soft support. The conformity of the electrodes helps establish direct contact with the skin, making the use of a gel superfluous. Plasma polymerized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene was used to enhance the impedance of the electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed an increase in electrode capacitance by a factor of up to 100 in wet conditions. Impedance measurements show a reduction factor of 10 in electrode impedance on human skin. The suitability of the electrodes for long-term electromyography recordings from the hand and from the face is demonstrated. The presented electrodes are ideally-suited for many applications, such as brain-machine interfacing, muscle diagnostics, post-injury rehabilitation, and gaming. PMID:27169387

  4. 21 CFR 870.3720 - Pacemaker electrode function tester.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Pacemaker electrode function tester. 870.3720... electrode function tester. (a) Identification. A pacemaker electrode function tester is a device which is... measuring the patient's pacing threshold and intracardiac R-wave potential. (b) Classification. Class II...

  5. Self-Supporting, Hydrophobic, Ionic Liquid-Based Reference Electrodes Prepared by Polymerization-Induced Microphase Separation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chopade, Sujay A.; Anderson, Evan L.; Schmidt, Peter W.

    Interfaces of ionic liquids and aqueous solutions exhibit stable electrical potentials over a wide range of aqueous electrolyte concentrations. This makes ionic liquids suitable as bridge materials that separate in electroanalytical measurements the reference electrode from samples with low and/or unknown ionic strengths. However, methods for the preparation of ionic liquid-based reference electrodes have not been explored widely. We have designed a convenient and reliable synthesis of ionic liquid-based reference electrodes by polymerization-induced microphase separation. This technique allows for a facile, single-pot synthesis of ready-to-use reference electrodes that incorporate ion conducting nanochannels filled with either 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide or 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylmore » sulfonyl)imide as ionic liquid, supported by a mechanically robust cross-linked polystyrene phase. This synthesis procedure allows for the straightforward design of various reference electrode geometries. These reference electrodes exhibit a low resistance as well as good reference potential stability and reproducibility when immersed into aqueous solutions varying from deionized, purified water to 100 mM KCl, while requiring no correction for liquid junction potentials.« less

  6. Polyoxometalate active charge-transfer material for mediated redox flow battery

    DOEpatents

    Anderson, Travis Mark; Hudak, Nicholas; Staiger, Chad; Pratt, Harry

    2017-01-17

    Redox flow batteries including a half-cell electrode chamber coupled to a current collecting electrode are disclosed herein. In a general embodiment, a separator is coupled to the half-cell electrode chamber. The half-cell electrode chamber comprises a first redox-active mediator and a second redox-active mediator. The first redox-active mediator and the second redox-active mediator are circulated through the half-cell electrode chamber into an external container. The container includes an active charge-transfer material. The active charge-transfer material has a redox potential between a redox potential of the first redox-active mediator and a redox potential of the second redox-active mediator. The active charge-transfer material is a polyoxometalate or derivative thereof. The redox flow battery may be particularly useful in energy storage solutions for renewable energy sources and for providing sustained power to an electrical grid.

  7. Iridium Oxide Nanotube Electrodes for Highly Sensitive and Prolonged Intracellular Measurement of Action Potentials

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Ziliang Carter; Xie, Chong; Osakada, Yasuko; Cui, Yi; Cui, Bianxiao

    2014-01-01

    Intracellular recording of action potentials is important to understand electrically-excitable cells. Recently, vertical nanoelectrodes have been developed to achieve highly sensitive, minimally invasive, and large scale intracellular recording. It has been demonstrated that the vertical geometry is crucial for the enhanced signal detection. Here we develop nanoelectrodes made up of nanotubes of iridium oxide. When cardiomyocytes are cultured upon those nanotubes, the cell membrane not only wraps around the vertical tubes but also protrudes deep into the hollow center. We show that this geometry enhances cell-electrode coupling and results in measuring much larger intracellular action potentials. The nanotube electrodes afford much longer intracellular access and are minimally invasive, making it possible to achieve stable recording up to an hour in a single session and more than 8 days of consecutive daily recording. This study suggests that the electrode performance can be significantly improved by optimizing the electrode geometry. PMID:24487777

  8. Effects of wall electrodes on Hall effect thruster plasma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Langendorf, S., E-mail: samuel.langendorf@gatech.edu; Walker, M., E-mail: mitchell.walker@ae.gatech.edu; High-Power Electric Propulsion Laboratory, 625 Lambert St NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318

    2015-02-15

    This paper investigates the physical mechanisms that cause beneficial and detrimental performance effect observed to date in Hall effect thrusters with wall electrodes. It is determined that the wall electrode sheath can reduce ion losses to the wall if positioned near the anode (outside the dense region of the plasma) such that an ion-repelling sheath is able to form. The ability of the wall electrode to form an ion-repelling sheath is inversely proportional to the current drawn—if the wall electrode becomes the dominant sink for the thruster discharge current, increases in wall electrode bias result in increased local plasma potentialmore » rather than an ion-repelling sheath. A single-fluid electron flow model gives results that mimic the observed potential structures and the current-sharing fractions between the anode and wall electrodes, showing that potential gradients in the presheath and bulk plasma come at the expense of current draw to the wall electrodes. Secondary electron emission from the wall electrodes (or lack thereof) is inferred to have a larger effect if the electrodes are positioned near the exit plane than if positioned near the anode, due to the difference in energy deposition from the plasma.« less

  9. Properties of screen printed electrocardiography smartware electrodes investigated in an electro-chemical cell

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background ECG (Electrocardiogram) measurements in home health care demands new sensor solutions. In this study, six different configurations of screen printed conductive ink electrodes have been evaluated with respect to electrode potential variations and electrode impedance. Methods The electrode surfaces consisted of a Ag/AgCl-based ink with a conduction line of carbon or Ag-based ink underneath. On top, a lacquer layer was used to define the electrode area and to cover the conduction lines. Measurements were performed under well-defined electro-chemical conditions in a physiologic saline solution. Results The results showed that all printed electrodes were stable and have a very small potential drift (less than 3 mV/30 min). The contribution to the total impedance was 2% of the set maximal allowed impedance (maximally 1 kΩ at 50 Hz), assuming common values of input impedance and common mode rejection ratio of a regular amplifier. Conclusion Our conclusions are that the tested electrodes show satisfying properties to be used as elements in a skin electrode design that could be suitable for further investigations by applying the electrodes on the skin. PMID:23827015

  10. Electro-osmotic infusion for joule heating soil remediation techniques

    DOEpatents

    Carrigan, Charles R.; Nitao, John J.

    1999-01-01

    Electro-osmotic infusion of ground water or chemically tailored electrolyte is used to enhance, maintain, or recondition electrical conductivity for the joule heating remediation technique. Induced flows can be used to infuse electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity into the vicinity of the electrodes, maintain the local saturation of near-electrode regions and resaturate a partially dried out zone with groundwater. Electro-osmotic infusion can also tailor the conductivity throughout the target layer by infusing chemically modified and/or heated electrolyte to improve conductivity contrast of the interior. Periodic polarity reversals will prevent large pH changes at the electrodes. Electro-osmotic infusion can be used to condition the electrical conductivity of the soil, particularly low permeability soil, before and during the heating operation. Electro-osmotic infusion is carried out by locating one or more electrodes adjacent the heating electrodes and applying a dc potential between two or more electrodes. Depending on the polarities of the electrodes, the induced flow will be toward the heating electrodes or away from the heating electrodes. In addition, electrodes carrying a dc potential may be located throughout the target area to tailor the conductivity of the target area.

  11. Improving Single-Carbon-Nanotube-Electrode Contacts Using Molecular Electronics.

    PubMed

    Krittayavathananon, Atiweena; Ngamchuea, Kamonwad; Li, Xiuting; Batchelor-McAuley, Christopher; Kätelhön, Enno; Chaisiwamongkhol, Korbua; Sawangphruk, Montree; Compton, Richard G

    2017-08-17

    We report the use of an electroactive species, acetaminophen, to modify the electrical connection between a carbon nanotube (CNT) and an electrode. By applying a potential across two electrodes, some of the CNTs in solution occasionally contact the electrified interface and bridge between two electrodes. By observing a single CNT contact between two microbands of an interdigitated Au electrode in the presence and absence of acetaminophen, the role of the molecular species at the electronic junction is revealed. As compared with the pure CNT, the current magnitude of the acetaminophen-modified CNTs significantly increases with the applied potentials, indicating that the molecule species improves the junction properties probably via redox shuttling.

  12. Method and apparatus for electron-only radiation detectors from semiconductor materials

    DOEpatents

    Lund, James C.

    2000-01-01

    A system for obtaining improved resolution in room temperature semiconductor radiation detectors such as CdZnTe and Hgl.sub.2, which exhibit significant hole-trapping. A electrical reference plane is established about the perimeter of a semiconductor crystal and disposed intermediately between two oppositely biased end electrodes. The intermediate reference plane comprises a narrow strip of wire in electrical contact with the surface of the crystal, biased at a potential between the end electrode potentials and serving as an auxiliary electrical reference for a chosen electrode--typically the collector electrode for the more mobile charge carrier. This arrangement eliminates the interfering effects of the less mobile carriers as these are gathered by their electrode collector.

  13. Redox potential as a master variable controlling pathways of metal reduction by Geobacter sulfurreducens

    PubMed Central

    Levar, Caleb E; Hoffman, Colleen L; Dunshee, Aubrey J; Toner, Brandy M; Bond, Daniel R

    2017-01-01

    Geobacter sulfurreducens uses at least two different pathways to transport electrons out of the inner membrane quinone pool before reducing acceptors beyond the outer membrane. When growing on electrodes poised at oxidizing potentials, the CbcL-dependent pathway operates at or below redox potentials of –0.10 V vs the standard hydrogen electrode, whereas the ImcH-dependent pathway operates only above this value. Here, we provide evidence that G. sulfurreducens also requires different electron transfer proteins for reduction of a wide range of Fe(III)- and Mn(IV)-(oxyhydr)oxides, and must transition from a high- to low-potential pathway during reduction of commonly studied soluble and insoluble metal electron acceptors. Freshly precipitated Fe(III)-(oxyhydr)oxides could not be reduced by mutants lacking the high-potential pathway. Aging these minerals by autoclaving did not change their powder X-ray diffraction pattern, but restored reduction by mutants lacking the high-potential pathway. Mutants lacking the low-potential, CbcL-dependent pathway had higher growth yields with both soluble and insoluble Fe(III). Together, these data suggest that the ImcH-dependent pathway exists to harvest additional energy when conditions permit, and CbcL switches on to allow respiration closer to thermodynamic equilibrium conditions. With evidence of multiple pathways within a single organism, the study of extracellular respiration should consider not only the crystal structure or solubility of a mineral electron acceptor, but rather the redox potential, as this variable determines the energetic reward affecting reduction rates, extents, and final microbial growth yields in the environment. PMID:28045456

  14. Recording electrocardiograms using 3-limb lead cables instead of the standard 4: a modification to minimize incorrect electrode placements.

    PubMed

    Soliman, Elsayed Z

    2008-01-01

    The similarity between and the number of limb lead cables play an important role in the frequency of incorrect connection of limb electrodes. Hence, a modified electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition procedure is proposed in this brief communication, whereby the left-leg (LL) and right-leg (RL) electrode cables are combined into 1 cable, referred to as combined LL/RL cable. The electrode wires in the combined LL/RL cable are connected to 2 electrodes placed on both sides of the LL. The combined LL/RL cable is unique enough (being thicker) not to be mistaken with the upper limb electrode cables. The proposed modification will not in any way influence the ECG waveforms or amplitudes, and it can be expected to substantially reduce incorrect limb electrode placements.

  15. 3D printed e-tongue

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gaál, Gabriel; da Silva, Tatiana A.; Gaál, Vladimir; Hensel, Rafael C.; Amaral, Lucas R.; Rodrigues, Varlei; Riul, Antonio

    2018-05-01

    Nowadays, one of the biggest issues addressed to electronic sensor fabrication is the build-up of efficient electrodes as an alternative way to the expensive, complex and multistage processes required by traditional techniques. Printed electronics arises as an interesting alternative to fulfill this task due to the simplicity and speed to stamp electrodes on various surfaces. Within this context, the Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing is an emerging, cost-effective and alternative technology to fabricate complex structures that potentiates several fields with more creative ideas and new materials for a rapid prototyping of devices. We show here the fabrication of interdigitated electrodes using a standard home-made CoreXY 3D printer using transparent and graphene-based PLA filaments. Macro 3D printed electrodes were easily assembled within 6 minutes with outstanding reproducibility. The electrodes were also functionalized with different nanostructured thin films via dip-coating Layer-by-Layer technique to develop a 3D printed e-tongue setup. As a proof of concept, the printed e-tongue was applied to soil analysis. A control soil sample was enriched with several macro-nutrients to the plants (N, P, K, S, Mg and Ca) and the discrimination was done by electrical impedance spectroscopy of water solution of the soil samples. The data was analyzed by Principal Component Analysis and the 3D printed sensor distinguished clearly all enriched samples despite the complexity of the soil chemical composition. The 3D printed e-tongue successfully used in soil analysis encourages further investments in developing new sensory tools for precision agriculture and other fields exploiting the simplicity and flexibility offered by the 3D printing techniques.

  16. Skin denervation does not alter cortical potentials to surface concentric electrode stimulation: A comparison with laser evoked potentials and contact heat evoked potentials.

    PubMed

    La Cesa, S; Di Stefano, G; Leone, C; Pepe, A; Galosi, E; Alu, F; Fasolino, A; Cruccu, G; Valeriani, M; Truini, A

    2018-01-01

    In the neurophysiological assessment of patients with neuropathic pain, laser evoked potentials (LEPs), contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPs) and the evoked potentials by the intraepidermal electrical stimulation via concentric needle electrode are widely agreed as nociceptive specific responses; conversely, the nociceptive specificity of evoked potentials by surface concentric electrode (SE-PREPs) is still debated. In this neurophysiological study we aimed at verifying the nociceptive specificity of SE-PREPs. We recorded LEPs, CHEPs and SE-PREPs in eleven healthy participants, before and after epidermal denervation produced by prolonged capsaicin application. We also used skin biopsy to verify the capsaicin-induced nociceptive nerve fibre loss in the epidermis. We found that whereas LEPs and CHEPs were suppressed after capsaicin-induced epidermal denervation, the surface concentric electrode stimulation of the same denervated skin area yielded unchanged SE-PREPs. The suppression of LEPs and CHEPs after nociceptive nerve fibre loss in the epidermis indicates that these techniques are selectively mediated by nociceptive system. Conversely, the lack of SE-PREP changes suggests that SE-PREPs do not provide selective information on nociceptive system function. Capsaicin-induced epidermal denervation abolishes laser evoked potentials (LEPs) and contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPs), but leaves unaffected pain-related evoked potentials by surface concentric electrode (SE-PREPs). These findings suggest that unlike LEPs and CHEPs, SE-PREPs are not selectively mediated by nociceptive system. © 2017 European Pain Federation - EFIC®.

  17. Frequency modulation detection in cochlear implant subjects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Hongbin; Zeng, Fan-Gang

    2004-10-01

    Frequency modulation (FM) detection was investigated in acoustic and electric hearing to characterize cochlear-implant subjects' ability to detect dynamic frequency changes and to assess the relative contributions of temporal and spectral cues to frequency processing. Difference limens were measured for frequency upward sweeps, downward sweeps, and sinusoidal FM as a function of standard frequency and modulation rate. In electric hearing, factors including electrode position and stimulation level were also studied. Electric hearing data showed that the difference limen increased monotonically as a function of standard frequency regardless of the modulation type, the modulation rate, the electrode position, and the stimulation level. In contrast, acoustic hearing data showed that the difference limen was nearly a constant as a function of standard frequency. This difference was interpreted to mean that temporal cues are used only at low standard frequencies and at low modulation rates. At higher standard frequencies and modulation rates, the reliance on the place cue is increased, accounting for the better performance in acoustic hearing than for electric hearing with single-electrode stimulation. The present data suggest a speech processing strategy that encodes slow frequency changes using lower stimulation rates than those typically employed by contemporary cochlear-implant speech processors. .

  18. An Ion-Selective Electrode for the Determination of Phencyclidine (PCP).

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-08-06

    as an indicator_ ectrode in potentiometric titration of PCPA at concentrations DD 1473 EDITION or I Nov soIS OSSOOL TC SEPURqITY CLAWSFICATION Of...and ISE detection limits determined as described previous (25). The PCP electrode was used as the indicator electrode in potentiometric titrations of...was standardized by potentiometric titration with a dodecyltrimethyl- ammonium bromide (DoTAB) solution using a DoTA+ ISE (25) as the indicator

  19. Removal of trace metal contaminants from potable water by electrocoagulation.

    PubMed

    Heffron, Joe; Marhefke, Matt; Mayer, Brooke K

    2016-06-21

    This study investigated the effects of four operational and environmental variables on the removal of trace metal contaminants from drinking water by electrocoagulation (EC). Removal efficiencies for five metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and nickel) were compared under varying combinations of electrode material, post-treatment, water composition and pH. Iron electrodes out-performed aluminum electrodes in removing chromium and arsenic. At pH 6.5, aluminum electrodes were slightly more effective at removing nickel and cadmium, while at pH 8.5, iron electrodes were more effective for these metals. Regardless of electrode, cadmium and nickel removal efficiencies were higher at pH 8.5 than at pH 6.5. Post-EC treatment using membrane filtration (0.45 μm) enhanced contaminant removal for all metals but nickel. With the exception of lead, all metals exhibited poorer removal efficiencies as the ionic strength of the background electrolyte increased, particularly in the very high-solids synthetic groundwaters. Residual aluminum concentrations were lowest at pH 6.5, while iron residuals were lowest in low ionic strength waters. Both aluminum and iron residuals required post-treatment filtration to meet drinking water standards. EC with post-treatment filtration appears to effectively remove trace metal contaminants to potable water standards, but both reactor and source water parameters critically impact removal efficiency.

  20. Removal of trace metal contaminants from potable water by electrocoagulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heffron, Joe; Marhefke, Matt; Mayer, Brooke K.

    2016-06-01

    This study investigated the effects of four operational and environmental variables on the removal of trace metal contaminants from drinking water by electrocoagulation (EC). Removal efficiencies for five metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and nickel) were compared under varying combinations of electrode material, post-treatment, water composition and pH. Iron electrodes out-performed aluminum electrodes in removing chromium and arsenic. At pH 6.5, aluminum electrodes were slightly more effective at removing nickel and cadmium, while at pH 8.5, iron electrodes were more effective for these metals. Regardless of electrode, cadmium and nickel removal efficiencies were higher at pH 8.5 than at pH 6.5. Post-EC treatment using membrane filtration (0.45 μm) enhanced contaminant removal for all metals but nickel. With the exception of lead, all metals exhibited poorer removal efficiencies as the ionic strength of the background electrolyte increased, particularly in the very high-solids synthetic groundwaters. Residual aluminum concentrations were lowest at pH 6.5, while iron residuals were lowest in low ionic strength waters. Both aluminum and iron residuals required post-treatment filtration to meet drinking water standards. EC with post-treatment filtration appears to effectively remove trace metal contaminants to potable water standards, but both reactor and source water parameters critically impact removal efficiency.

  1. Electromyographic cross-talk within a compartmentalized muscle of the cat.

    PubMed Central

    English, A W; Weeks, O I

    1989-01-01

    1. Experiments were conducted to test the extent to which the electromyographic (EMG) activity generated by the activation of single motor units is conducted from one neuromuscular compartment of the cat lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscle into adjacent compartments. 2. Potentials produced by stimulation of forty-five single motor units were monitored from bipolar fine-wire EMG electrodes which had been implanted either into the centres of each of the four neuromuscular compartments of LG or into regions of the muscle known to lie on the border of contiguous compartments. 3. In all cases single unit potentials could be recorded from the electrodes in the centre of the compartments which clearly identified the compartment of residence of the muscle unit. Regardless of unit type, the amplitude of the potential recorded from electrodes in one compartment was always greater than that recorded from any other compartment. 4. Smaller potentials could be recorded from electrodes in the centre of compartments adjacent to the compartment of residence of the muscle unit. For those motor units where the amplitude of the EMG potentials recorded from the compartment of residence was large, the amplitude of such 'cross-talk' could be greater than the amplitude of potentials recorded from the compartment of residence of smaller motor units. 5. In the case of electrodes placed at compartment boundaries, no clear compartment selectivity of recording of motor unit potentials was evident. 6. These results indicate that great care must be taken in choosing sites of EMG electrode placement when performing kinesiological studies, especially when the amplitude of the EMG activity recorded is of consideration. PMID:2558175

  2. Highly selective direct determination of chlorate ions by using a newly developed potentiometric electrode based on modified smectite.

    PubMed

    Topcu, Cihan

    2016-12-01

    A novel polyvinyl chloride membrane chlorate (ClO 3 - ) selective electrode based on modified smectite was developed for the direct determination of chlorate ions and the potentiometric performance characteristics of its were examined. The best selectivity and sensitivity for chlorate ions were obtained for the electrode membrane containing ionophore/polyvinylchloride/o-nitrophenyloctylether in composition of 12/28/60 (w/w%). The proposed electrode showed a Nernstian response toward chlorate ions at pH=7 in the concentration range of 1×10 -7 -1×10 -1 M and the limit of detection was calculated as 9×10 -8 M from the constructed response plot. The linear slope of the electrode was -61±1mVdecade -1 for chlorate activity in the mentioned linear working range. The selectivity coefficients were calculated according to both the matched potential method and the separate solution method. The calculated selectivity coefficients showed that the electrode performed excellent selectivity for chlorate ions. The potentiometric response of electrode toward chlorate ions was found to be highly reproducible. The electrode potential was stable between pH=4-10 and it had a dynamic response time of <5s. The potentiometric behavior of the electrode in partial non-aqueous medium was also investigated and the obtained results (up to 5% (v/v) alcohol) were satisfactory. The proposed electrode was used during 15 weeks without any significant change in its potential response. Additionally, the electrode was very useful in water analysis studies such as dam water, river water, tap water, and swimming pool water where the direct determination of chlorate ions was required. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Determination of arbutin and bergenin in Bergeniae Rhizoma by capillary electrophoresis with a carbon nanotube-epoxy composite electrode.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Luyan; Zhang, Wei; Chen, Gang

    2015-11-10

    This report describes the fabrication and the application of a novel carbon nanotube (CNT)-epoxy composite electrode as a sensitive amperometric detector for the capillary electrophoresis (CE). The composite electrode was fabricated on the basis of the in situ polycondensation of a mixture of CNTs and 1,2-ethanediamine-containing bisphenol A epoxy resin in the inner bore of a piece of fused silica capillary under heat. It was coupled with CE for the separation and detection of arbutin and bergenin in Bergeniae Rhizoma, a traditional Chinese medicine, to demonstrate its feasibility and performance. The two phenolic constituents were well separated within 10min in a 45cm capillary length at a separation voltage of 12kV using a 50mM borate buffer (pH 9.2). The CNT-based detector offered higher sensitivity, significantly lower operating potential, satisfactory resistance to surface fouling, and lower expense of operation, indicating great promise for a wide range of analytical applications. It showed long-term stability and reproducibility with relative standard deviations of less than 5% for the peak current (n=15). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Corrosion testing of candidates for the alkaline fuel cell cathode

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Singer, Joseph; Fielder, William L.

    1989-01-01

    It is desirable to employ a corrosion screening test for catalyst or support candidates for the fuel cell cathode before entering upon optimization of the candidate or of the catalytic electrode. To this end, corrosion test electrodes, intended for complete immersion and maximum wetting, have been made with 30 to 40 vol. pct Teflon; with perovskites this is about 10 to 15 pct. The candidates were synthesized by methods intended for single-phase product without special emphasis on high surface area, although the substances tested were no coarser than 2 m squared/g. A typical loading was 25 mg/cm sq of the pure substance, usually on gold screen, a few mm squared of which were left bare for contacting. Contact to the gold lead wire was made by welding with a micro-torch or a spot-welder. Corrosion testing consisted of obtaining current-voltage data under flowing inert gas in the potential region for reduction of O2. The electrode was immersed in 30 pct KOH. Observations were made at 20 C and 80 C, and the results compared with data from gold standards. Results with some perovskites, pyrochlores, spinels, and interstitial compounds will be discussed.

  5. Composite Polymer-Garnet Solid State Electrolytes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Villa, Andres; Oduncu, Muhammed R.; Scofield, Gregory D.; Marinero, Ernesto E.; Forbey, Scott

    Solid-state electrolytes provide a potential solution to the safety and reliability issues of Li-ion batteries. We have synthesized cubic-phase Li7-xLa3Zr2-xBixO12 compounds utilizing inexpensive, scalable Sol-gel synthesis and obtained ionic conductivities 1.2 x 10-4 S/cm at RT in not-fully densified pellets. In this work we report on the fabrication of composite polymer-garnet ceramic particle electrolytes to produce flexible membranes that can be integrated with standard battery electrodes without the need for a separator. As a first step we incorporated the ceramic particles into polyethylene oxide polymers (PEO) to form flexible membranes. Early results are encouraging yielding ionic conductivity values 1.0 x 10-5 S/cm at RT. To increment the conductivity in the membranes, we are optimizing amongst other: the ceramic particle size distribution and weight load, the polymer molecular weight and chemical composition and the solvated Li-salt composition and content. Unhindered ion transport across interfaces between the composites and the battery electrode materials is paramount for battery performance. To this end, we are investigating the effect of interface morphology, its atomic composition and exploring novel electrode structures that facilitate ionic transport.

  6. Virtual electrochemical nitric oxide analyzer using copper, zinc superoxide dismutase immobilized on carbon nanotubes in polypyrrole matrix.

    PubMed

    Madasamy, Thangamuthu; Pandiaraj, Manickam; Balamurugan, Murugesan; Karnewar, Santosh; Benjamin, Alby Robson; Venkatesh, Krishna Arun; Vairamani, Kanagavel; Kotamraju, Srigiridhar; Karunakaran, Chandran

    2012-10-15

    In this work, we have designed and developed a novel and cost effective virtual electrochemical analyzer for the measurement of NO in exhaled breath and from hydrogen peroxide stimulated endothelial cells using home-made potentiostat. Here, data acquisition system (NI MyDAQ) was used to acquire the data from the electrochemical oxidation of NO mediated by copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,ZnSOD). The electrochemical control programs (graphical user-interface software) were developed using LabVIEW 10.0 to sweep the potential, acquire the current response and process the acquired current signal. The Cu,ZnSOD (SOD1) immobilized on the carbon nanotubes in polypyrrole modified platinum electrode was used as the NO biosensor. The electrochemical behavior of the SOD1 modified electrode exhibited the characteristic quasi-reversible redox peak at the potential, +0.06 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The biological interferences were eliminated by nafion coated SOD1 electrode and then NO was measured selectively. Further, this biosensor showed a wide linear range of response over the concentration of NO from 0.1 μM to 1 mM with a detection limit of 0.1 μM and high sensitivity of 1.1 μA μM(-1). The electroanalytical results obtained here using the developed virtual electrochemical instrument were also compared with the standard cyclic voltammetry instrument and found in agreement with each other. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Electrochemical modification of a pyrolytic graphite sheet for improved negative electrode performance in the vanadium redox flow battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kabir, Humayun; Gyan, Isaiah O.; Francis Cheng, I.

    2017-02-01

    The vanadium redox flow battery is a promising technology for buffering renewable energies. It is recognized that negative electrode is the limitation in this device where there are problems of slow heterogeneous electron transfer (HET) of V3+/2+ and parasitic H2 evolution. Any methods aimed at addressing one of these barriers must assess the effects on the other. We examine electrochemical enhancement of a common commercially available material. Treatment of Panasonic pyrolytic graphite sheets is through oxidation at 2.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl for 1 min in 1 M H2SO4. This increases the standard HET rate for V3+/2+ from 3.2 × 10-7 to 1 × 10-3 cm/s, one of the highest in literature and shifts voltammetric reductive peak potential from -1.0 V to -0.65 V in 50 mM V3+ in 1 M H2SO4. Infrared analysis of the surfaces indicates formation of Csbnd OH, Cdbnd O, and Csbnd O functionalities. These groups catalyze HET with V3+/2+ as hypothesized by Skyllas-Kasacos. Also of significance is that electrode modification decreases the fraction of the current directed towards H2 evolution. This proportion decreases by two orders of a magnitude from 12% to 0.1% as measured at the respective voltammetric peak potentials of -1.0 V (pristine) and -0.65 V (modified).

  8. Electrochromic Graphene Molecules

    DOE PAGES

    Ji, Zhiqiang; Doorn, Stephen K.; Sykora, Milan

    2015-03-13

    Polyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, also called Graphene Molecules (GMs), with chemical composition C 132H 36(COOH) 2 were synthesized in-situ on the surface of transparent nanocrystaline indium tin oxide (nc-ITO) electrodes. Their electronic structure was studied electrochemically and spectro-electrochemically. Variations in the potential applied onto the nc-ITO/GM electrodes induce only small changes in the observed current but they produce dramatic changes in the absorption of the GMs, which are associated with their oxidation and reduction. Analysis of the absorption changes using modified Nernst equation is used to determine standard potentials associated with the individual charge transfer processes. For the GMs prepared heremore » these were found to be E 1,ox 0 = 0.77± 0.01 V and E 2,ox 0 = 1.24 ± 0.02 V vs. NHE for the first and second oxidation and E 1,red 0 = -1.50 ± 0.04 V for the first reduction. The charge transfer processes are found to be non-ideal. The non-ideality factors associated with the oxidation and reduction processes suggest presence of strong interactions between the GM redox centers. Under the conditions of potential cycling GMs show rapid (seconds) color change with high contrast and stability. An electrochromic application is demonstrated wherein the GMs are used as the optically active component.« less

  9. Rapid Measurement of Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Electrochemical Gas Sensor using Transient Double Potential Amperometry

    PubMed Central

    Wan, Hao; Yin, Heyu; Mason, Andrew J.

    2016-01-01

    Intense study on gas sensors has been conducted to implement fast gas sensing with high sensitivity, reliability and long lifetime. This paper presents a rapid amperometric method for gas sensing based on a room temperature ionic liquid electrochemical gas sensor. To implement a miniaturized sensor with a fast response time, a three electrode system with gold interdigitated electrodes was fabricated by photolithography on a porous polytetrafluoroethylene substrate that greatly enhances gas diffusion. Furthermore, based on the reversible reaction of oxygen, a new transient double potential amperometry (DPA) was explored for electrochemical analysis to decrease the measurement time and reverse reaction by-products that could cause current drift. Parameters in transient DPA including oxidation potential, oxidation period, reduction period and sample point were investigated to study their influence on the performance of the sensor. Oxygen measurement could be accomplished in 4 s, and the sensor presented a sensitivity of 0.2863 μA/[%O2] and a linearity of 0.9943 when tested in air samples with different oxygen concentrations. Repeatability and long-term stability were also investigated, and the sensor was shown to exhibit good reliability. In comparison to conventional constant potential amperometry, transient DPA was shown to reduce relative standard deviation by 63.2%. With transient DPA, the sensitivity, linearity, repeatability, measurement time and current drift characteristics demonstrated by the presented gas sensor are promising for acute exposure applications. PMID:28603384

  10. Rapid Measurement of Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Electrochemical Gas Sensor using Transient Double Potential Amperometry.

    PubMed

    Wan, Hao; Yin, Heyu; Mason, Andrew J

    2017-04-01

    Intense study on gas sensors has been conducted to implement fast gas sensing with high sensitivity, reliability and long lifetime. This paper presents a rapid amperometric method for gas sensing based on a room temperature ionic liquid electrochemical gas sensor. To implement a miniaturized sensor with a fast response time, a three electrode system with gold interdigitated electrodes was fabricated by photolithography on a porous polytetrafluoroethylene substrate that greatly enhances gas diffusion. Furthermore, based on the reversible reaction of oxygen, a new transient double potential amperometry (DPA) was explored for electrochemical analysis to decrease the measurement time and reverse reaction by-products that could cause current drift. Parameters in transient DPA including oxidation potential, oxidation period, reduction period and sample point were investigated to study their influence on the performance of the sensor. Oxygen measurement could be accomplished in 4 s, and the sensor presented a sensitivity of 0.2863 μA/[%O 2 ] and a linearity of 0.9943 when tested in air samples with different oxygen concentrations. Repeatability and long-term stability were also investigated, and the sensor was shown to exhibit good reliability. In comparison to conventional constant potential amperometry, transient DPA was shown to reduce relative standard deviation by 63.2%. With transient DPA, the sensitivity, linearity, repeatability, measurement time and current drift characteristics demonstrated by the presented gas sensor are promising for acute exposure applications.

  11. Electrochemical degradation of trichloroacetic acid in aqueous media: influence of the electrode material.

    PubMed

    Esclapez, M D; Díez-García, M I; Sàez, V; Bonete, P; González-García, José

    2013-01-01

    The electrochemical degradation of trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) in water has been analysed through voltammetric studies with a rotating disc electrode and controlled-potential bulk electrolyses. The influence of the mass-transport conditions and initial concentration of TCAA for titanium, stainless steel and carbon electrodes has been studied. It is shown that the electrochemical reduction of TCAA takes place prior to the massive hydrogen evolution in the potential window for all electrode materials studied. The current efficiency is high (> 18%) compared with those normally reported in the literature, and the fractional conversion is above 50% for all the electrodes studied. Only dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and chloride anions were routinely detected as reduction products for any of the electrodes, and reasonable values of mass balance error were obtained. Of the three materials studied, the titanium cathode gave the best results.

  12. New β-Cyclodextrin Entrapped in Polyethyleneimine Film-Modified Electrodes for Pharmaceutical Compounds Determination

    PubMed Central

    Fritea, Luminţa; Tertiş, Mihaela; Cristea, Cecilia; Săndulescu, Robert

    2013-01-01

    The electrochemical behavior of ascorbic acid and uric acid on glassy carbon bare electrodes and ones modified with β-cyclodextrin entrapped in polyethyleneimine film has been investigated using square wave voltammetry. The electrode modification was achieved in order to separate the voltammetric peaks of ascorbic acid and uric acid when present in the same solution. On the modified electrodes the potential of the oxidation peak of the ascorbic acid was shifted to more negative values by over 0.3 V, while in the case of uric acid, the negative potential shift was about 0.15 V compared to the bare glassy carbon electrode. When the two compounds were found together in the solution, on the bare electrode only a single broad signal was observed, while on the modified electrode the peak potentials of these two compounds were separated by 0.4 V. When the uric acid concentration remained constant, the peak intensity of the ascorbic acid is increased linearly with the concentration (r2 = 0.996) and when the ascorbic acid concentration remains constant, the peak intensity of the uric acid increased linearly with the concentration (r2 = 0.992). FTIR measurements supported the formation of inclusion complexes. In order to characterize the modification of the electrodes microscopic studies were performed. The modified electrodes were successfully employed for the determination of ascorbic acid in pharmaceutical formulations with a detection limit of 0.22 μM. PMID:24287544

  13. Fluorescence quenching studies of potential-dependent DNA reorientation dynamics at glassy carbon electrode surfaces.

    PubMed

    Li, Qin; Cui, Chenchen; Higgins, Daniel A; Li, Jun

    2012-09-05

    The potential-dependent reorientation dynamics of double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) attached to planar glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surfaces were investigated. The orientation state of surface-bound ds-DNA was followed by monitoring the fluorescence from a 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM6) fluorophore covalently linked to the distal end of the DNA. Positive potentials (i.e., +0.2 V vs open circuit potential, OCP) caused the ds-DNA to align parallel to the electrode surface, resulting in strong dipole-electrode quenching of FAM6 fluorescence. Switching of the GCE potential to negative values (i.e., -0.2 V vs OCP) caused the ds-DNA to reorient perpendicular to the electrode surface, with a concomitant increase in FAM6 fluorescence. In addition to the very fast (submilliseconds) dynamics of the initial reorientation process, slow (0.1-0.9 s) relaxation of FAM6 fluorescence to intermediate levels was also observed after potential switching. These dynamics have not been previously described in the literature. They are too slow to be explained by double layer charging, and chronoamperometry data showed no evidence of such effects. Both the amplitude and rate of the dynamics were found to depend upon buffer concentration, and ds-DNA length, demonstrating a dependence on the double layer field. The dynamics are concluded to arise from previously undetected complexities in the mechanism of potential-dependent ds-DNA reorientation. The possible origins of these dynamics are discussed. A better understanding of these dynamics will lead to improved models for potential-dependent ds-DNA reorientation at electrode surfaces and will facilitate the development of advanced electrochemical devices for detection of target DNAs.

  14. Intracellular recording of action potentials by nanopillar electroporation.

    PubMed

    Xie, Chong; Lin, Ziliang; Hanson, Lindsey; Cui, Yi; Cui, Bianxiao

    2012-02-12

    Action potentials have a central role in the nervous system and in many cellular processes, notably those involving ion channels. The accurate measurement of action potentials requires efficient coupling between the cell membrane and the measuring electrodes. Intracellular recording methods such as patch clamping involve measuring the voltage or current across the cell membrane by accessing the cell interior with an electrode, allowing both the amplitude and shape of the action potentials to be recorded faithfully with high signal-to-noise ratios. However, the invasive nature of intracellular methods usually limits the recording time to a few hours, and their complexity makes it difficult to simultaneously record more than a few cells. Extracellular recording methods, such as multielectrode arrays and multitransistor arrays, are non-invasive and allow long-term and multiplexed measurements. However, extracellular recording sacrifices the one-to-one correspondence between the cells and electrodes, and also suffers from significantly reduced signal strength and quality. Extracellular techniques are not, therefore, able to record action potentials with the accuracy needed to explore the properties of ion channels. As a result, the pharmacological screening of ion-channel drugs is usually performed by low-throughput intracellular recording methods. The use of nanowire transistors, nanotube-coupled transistors and micro gold-spine and related electrodes can significantly improve the signal strength of recorded action potentials. Here, we show that vertical nanopillar electrodes can record both the extracellular and intracellular action potentials of cultured cardiomyocytes over a long period of time with excellent signal strength and quality. Moreover, it is possible to repeatedly switch between extracellular and intracellular recording by nanoscale electroporation and resealing processes. Furthermore, vertical nanopillar electrodes can detect subtle changes in action potentials induced by drugs that target ion channels.

  15. Intracellular recording of action potentials by nanopillar electroporation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Chong; Lin, Ziliang; Hanson, Lindsey; Cui, Yi; Cui, Bianxiao

    2012-03-01

    Action potentials have a central role in the nervous system and in many cellular processes, notably those involving ion channels. The accurate measurement of action potentials requires efficient coupling between the cell membrane and the measuring electrodes. Intracellular recording methods such as patch clamping involve measuring the voltage or current across the cell membrane by accessing the cell interior with an electrode, allowing both the amplitude and shape of the action potentials to be recorded faithfully with high signal-to-noise ratios. However, the invasive nature of intracellular methods usually limits the recording time to a few hours, and their complexity makes it difficult to simultaneously record more than a few cells. Extracellular recording methods, such as multielectrode arrays and multitransistor arrays, are non-invasive and allow long-term and multiplexed measurements. However, extracellular recording sacrifices the one-to-one correspondence between the cells and electrodes, and also suffers from significantly reduced signal strength and quality. Extracellular techniques are not, therefore, able to record action potentials with the accuracy needed to explore the properties of ion channels. As a result, the pharmacological screening of ion-channel drugs is usually performed by low-throughput intracellular recording methods. The use of nanowire transistors, nanotube-coupled transistors and micro gold-spine and related electrodes can significantly improve the signal strength of recorded action potentials. Here, we show that vertical nanopillar electrodes can record both the extracellular and intracellular action potentials of cultured cardiomyocytes over a long period of time with excellent signal strength and quality. Moreover, it is possible to repeatedly switch between extracellular and intracellular recording by nanoscale electroporation and resealing processes. Furthermore, vertical nanopillar electrodes can detect subtle changes in action potentials induced by drugs that target ion channels.

  16. APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING HIGH VELOCITY SHOCK WAVES IN GASES

    DOEpatents

    Scott, F.R.; Josephson, V.

    1960-02-01

    >A device for producing a high-energy ionized gas region comprises an evacuated tapered insulating vessel and a substantially hemispherical insulating cap hermetically affixed to the large end of the vessel, an annular electrode having a diameter equal to and supported in the interior wall of the vessel at the large end and having a conductive portion inside the vessel, a second electrode supported at the small end of the vessel, means connected to the vessel for introducing a selected gas therein, a source of high potential having two poles. means for connecting one pole of the high potential source to the annular electrode, and means for connecting the other pole of the potential source to the second electrode.

  17. Prototype for Automatable, Dielectrophoretically-Accessed Intracellular Membrane–Potential Measurements by Metal Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Sukhorukov, Vladimir L.; Zimmermann, Dirk

    2013-01-01

    Abstract Functional access to membrane proteins, for example, ion channels, of individual cells is an important prerequisite in drug discovery studies. The highly sophisticated patch-clamp method is widely used for electrogenic membrane proteins, but is demanding for the operator, and its automation remains challenging. The dielectrophoretically-accessed, intracellular membrane–potential measurement (DAIMM) method is a new technique showing high potential for automation of electrophysiological data recording in the whole-cell configuration. A cell suspension is brought between a mm-scaled planar electrode and a μm-scaled tip electrode, placed opposite to each other. Due to the asymmetric electrode configuration, the application of alternating electric fields (1–5 MHz) provokes a dielectrophoretic force acting on the target cell. As a consequence, the cell is accelerated and pierced by the tip electrode, hence functioning as the internal (working) electrode. We used the light-gated cation channel Channelrhodopsin-2 as a reporter protein expressed in HEK293 cells to characterize the DAIMM method in comparison with the patch-clamp technique. PMID:22994967

  18. Electroreduction of Er 3+ in nonaqueous solvents

    DOE PAGES

    Small, Leo J.; Sears, Jeremiah M.; Lambert, Timothy N.; ...

    2016-09-15

    Here, the electroreduction of Er 3+ in propylene carbonate, N,N-dimethylformamide, or a variety of quaternary ammonium ionic liquids (ILs) was investigated using [Er(OTf) 3] and [Er(NTf 2) 3]. Systematic variation of the ILs' cation and anion, Er 3+ salt, and electrode material revealed a disparity in electrochemical interactions not previously seen. For most ILs at a platinum electrode, cyclic voltammetry exhibits irreversible interactions between Er 3+ salts and the electrode at potentials significantly less than the theoretical reduction potential for Er 3+. Throughout all solvent–salt systems tested, a deposit could be formed on the electrode, though obtaining a high purity,more » crystalline Er 0 deposit is challenging due to the extreme reactivity of the deposit and resulting chemical interactions, often resulting in the formation of a complex, amorphous solid–electrolyte interface that slowed deposition rates. Comparison of platinum, gold, nickel, and glassy carbon (GC) working electrodes revealed oxidation processes unique to the platinum surface. While no appreciable reduction current was observed on GC at the potentials investigated, deposits were seen on platinum, gold, and nickel electrodes.« less

  19. Intraoperative Cochlear Implant Device Testing Utilizing an Automated Remote System: A Prospective Pilot Study.

    PubMed

    Lohmann, Amanda R; Carlson, Matthew L; Sladen, Douglas P

    2018-03-01

    Intraoperative cochlear implant device testing provides valuable information regarding device integrity, electrode position, and may assist with determining initial stimulation settings. Manual intraoperative device testing during cochlear implantation requires the time and expertise of a trained audiologist. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the feasibility of using automated remote intraoperative cochlear implant reverse telemetry testing as an alternative to standard testing. Prospective pilot study evaluating intraoperative remote automated impedance and Automatic Neural Response Telemetry (AutoNRT) testing in 34 consecutive cochlear implant surgeries using the Intraoperative Remote Assistant (Cochlear Nucleus CR120). In all cases, remote intraoperative device testing was performed by trained operating room staff. A comparison was made to the "gold standard" of manual testing by an experienced cochlear implant audiologist. Electrode position and absence of tip fold-over was confirmed using plain film x-ray. Automated remote reverse telemetry testing was successfully completed in all patients. Intraoperative x-ray demonstrated normal electrode position without tip fold-over. Average impedance values were significantly higher using standard testing versus CR120 remote testing (standard mean 10.7 kΩ, SD 1.2 vs. CR120 mean 7.5 kΩ, SD 0.7, p < 0.001). There was strong agreement between standard manual testing and remote automated testing with regard to the presence of open or short circuits along the array. There were, however, two cases in which standard testing identified an open circuit, when CR120 testing showed the circuit to be closed. Neural responses were successfully obtained in all patients using both systems. There was no difference in basal electrode responses (standard mean 195.0 μV, SD 14.10 vs. CR120 194.5 μV, SD 14.23; p = 0.7814); however, more favorable (lower μV amplitude) results were obtained with the remote automated system in the apical 10 electrodes (standard 185.4 μV, SD 11.69 vs. CR120 177.0 μV, SD 11.57; p value < 0.001). These preliminary data demonstrate that intraoperative cochlear implant device testing using a remote automated system is feasible. This system may be useful for cochlear implant programs with limited audiology support or for programs looking to streamline intraoperative device testing protocols. Future studies with larger patient enrollment are required to validate these promising, but preliminary, findings.

  20. A low-power bio-potential acquisition system with flexible PDMS dry electrodes for portable ubiquitous healthcare applications.

    PubMed

    Chen, Chih-Yuan; Chang, Chia-Lin; Chang, Chih-Wei; Lai, Shin-Chi; Chien, Tsung-Fu; Huang, Hong-Yi; Chiou, Jin-Chern; Luo, Ching-Hsing

    2013-03-04

    This work describes a bio-potential acquisition system for portable ubiquitous healthcare applications using flexible polydimethylsiloxane dry electrodes (FPDEs) and a low-power recording circuit. This novel FPDE used Au as the skin contact layer, which was made using a CO2 laser and replica method technology. The FPDE was revised from a commercial bio-potential electrode with a conductive snap using dry electrodes rather than wet electrodes that proposed reliable and robust attachment for the purpose of measurement, and attaching velcro made it wearable on the forearm for bio-potential applications. Furthermore, this study proposes a recording device to store bio-potential signal data and provides portability and low-power consumption for the proposed acquisition system. To acquire differential bio-potentials, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, the proposed recording device includes a low-power front-end acquisition chip fabricated using a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process, a commercial microcontroller (MSP430F149), and a secure digital (SD) card for portable healthcare applications. The proposed system can obtain ECG signals efficiently and are comfortable to the skin. The power consumption of the system is about 85 mW for continuous working over a 3 day period with two AA batteries. It can also be used as a compact Holter ECG system.

  1. On the pH Dependence of the Potential of Maximum Entropy of Ir(111) Electrodes.

    PubMed

    Ganassin, Alberto; Sebastián, Paula; Climent, Víctor; Schuhmann, Wolfgang; Bandarenka, Aliaksandr S; Feliu, Juan

    2017-04-28

    Studies over the entropy of components forming the electrode/electrolyte interface can give fundamental insights into the properties of electrified interphases. In particular, the potential where the entropy of formation of the double layer is maximal (potential of maximum entropy, PME) is an important parameter for the characterization of electrochemical systems. Indeed, this parameter determines the majority of electrode processes. In this work, we determine PMEs for Ir(111) electrodes. The latter currently play an important role to understand electrocatalysis for energy provision; and at the same time, iridium is one of the most stable metals against corrosion. For the experiments, we used a combination of the laser induced potential transient to determine the PME, and CO charge-displacement to determine the potentials of zero total charge, (E PZTC ). Both PME and E PZTC were assessed for perchlorate solutions in the pH range from 1 to 4. Surprisingly, we found that those are located in the potential region where the adsorption of hydrogen and hydroxyl species takes place, respectively. The PMEs demonstrated a shift by ~30 mV per a pH unit (in the RHE scale). Connections between the PME and electrocatalytic properties of the electrode surface are discussed.

  2. A novel screen-printed microfluidic paper-based electrochemical device for detection of glucose and uric acid in urine.

    PubMed

    Yao, Yong; Zhang, Chunsun

    2016-10-01

    A novel screen-printed microfluidic paper-based analytical device with all-carbon electrode-enabled electrochemical assay (SP-ACE-EC-μPAD) has been developed. The fabrication of these devices involved wax screen-printing, which was simple, low-cost and energy-efficient. The working, counter and reference electrodes were screen-printed using carbon ink on the patterned paper devices. Different wax screen-printing processes were examined and optimized, which led to an improved method with a shorter heating time (~5 s) and a lower heating temperature (75 °C). Different printing screens were examined, with a 300-mesh polyester screen yielding the highest quality wax screen-prints. The carbon electrodes were screen-printed on the μPADs and then examined using cyclic voltammetry. The analytical performance of the SP-ACE-EC-μPADs for the detection of glucose and uric acid in standard solutions was investigated. The results were reproducible, with a linear relationship [R(2) = 0.9987 (glucose) or 0.9997 (uric acid)] within the concentration range of interest, and with detection limits as low as 0.35 mM (glucose) and 0.08 mM (uric acid). To determine the clinical utility of the μPADs, chronoamperometry was used to analyze glucose and uric acid in real urine samples using the standard addition method. Our devices were able to detect the analytes of interest in complex real-world biological samples, and have the potential for use in a wide variety of applications.

  3. Corrosion behavior of HPT-deformed TiNi alloys in cell culture medium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shri, D. N. Awang; Tsuchiya, K.; Yamamoto, A.

    2017-09-01

    In recent years there are growing interest in fabrication of bulk nanostructured metals and alloys by using severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques as new alternative in producing bulk nanocrystalline materials. These techniques allows for processing of bulk, fully dense workpiece with ultrafine grains. Metal undergoes SPD processing in certain techniques such as high pressure torsion (HPT), equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) or multi-directional forging (MDF) are subjected to extensive hydrostatic pressure that may be used to impart a very high strain to the bulk solid without the introduction of any significant change in overall dimension of the sample. The change in the structure (small grain size and high-volume fraction of grain boundaries) of the material may result in the corrosion behavior different from that of the coarse-grained material. Electrochemical measurements were done to understand the corrosion behavior of TiNi alloys before and after HPT deformation. The experiment was carried out using standard three electrode setup (a sample as working electrode; a platinum wire as a counter electrode and a saturated calomel electrode in saturated KCl as a reference electrode) with the surface area of 26.42 mm2 exposed to the EMEM+10% FBS cell culture medium. The measurements were performed in an incubator with controlled environment at 37 °C and 5% CO2, simulating the cell culture condition. The potential of the specimen was monitored over 1 hour, and the stabilized potential was used as the open-circuit potential (EOCP). Potentiodynamic curves were scanned in the potential range from -0.5 V to 1.5 V relative to the EOCP, at a rate of 0.5 mV/s. The result of OCP-time measurement done in the cell culture medium shows that the OCP of HPT-deformed samples shifts towards to the more positive rather than that of BHPT samples. The OCP of deformed samples were ennobled to more than +70 mV for Ti-50mol%. The shift of OCP towards the nobler direction indicates the passive nature of native oxides formed on the surface of the samples. The polarization curve, on the other hand, indicates that the HPT deformation was found to shift the passive current to nobler region. The passive region current density is found to be lower than that of the BHPT, suggesting the passive film formed on the surface of HPT-deformed samples is more protective than that of the BHPT sample. This study has shown that nanocrystallization and amorphization induced by severe plastic deformation change the corrosion behavior of TiNi alloys.

  4. Monte Carlo modelling the dosimetric effects of electrode material on diamond detectors.

    PubMed

    Baluti, Florentina; Deloar, Hossain M; Lansley, Stuart P; Meyer, Juergen

    2015-03-01

    Diamond detectors for radiation dosimetry were modelled using the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code to investigate the influence of electrode material and detector orientation on the absorbed dose. The small dimensions of the electrode/diamond/electrode detector structure required very thin voxels and the use of non-standard DOSXYZnrc Monte Carlo model parameters. The interface phenomena was investigated by simulating a 6 MV beam and detectors with different electrode materials, namely Al, Ag, Cu and Au, with thickens of 0.1 µm for the electrodes and 0.1 mm for the diamond, in both perpendicular and parallel detector orientation with regards to the incident beam. The smallest perturbations were observed for the parallel detector orientation and Al electrodes (Z = 13). In summary, EGSnrc Monte Carlo code is well suited for modelling small detector geometries. The Monte Carlo model developed is a useful tool to investigate the dosimetric effects caused by different electrode materials. To minimise perturbations cause by the detector electrodes, it is recommended that the electrodes should be made from a low-atomic number material and placed parallel to the beam direction.

  5. Assessing a novel polymer-wick based electrode for EEG neurophysiological research.

    PubMed

    Pasion, Rita; Paiva, Tiago O; Pedrosa, Paulo; Gaspar, Hugo; Vasconcelos, Beatriz; Martins, Ana C; Amaral, Maria H; Nóbrega, João M; Páscoa, Ricardo; Fonseca, Carlos; Barbosa, Fernando

    2016-07-15

    The EEG technique has decades of valid applications in clinical and experimental neurophysiology. EEG equipment and data analysis methods have been characterized by remarkable developments, but the skin-to-electrode signal transfer remains a challenge for EEG recording. A novel quasi-dry system - the polymer wick-based electrode - was developed to overcome the limitations of conventional dry and wet silver/silver-chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes for EEG recording. Nine participants completed an auditory oddball protocol with simultaneous EEG acquisition using both the conventional Ag/AgCl and the wick electrodes. Wick system successfully recorded the expected P300 modulation. Standard ERP analysis, residual random noise analysis, and single-trial analysis of the P300 wave were performed in order to compare signal acquired by both electrodes. It was found that the novel wick electrode performed similarly to the conventional Ag/AgCl electrodes. The developed wick electrode appears to be a reliable alternative for EEG research, representing a promising halfway alternative between wet and dry electrodes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. SAMPLING DEVICE FOR pH MEASUREMENT IN PROCESS STREAMS

    DOEpatents

    Michelson, C.E.; Carson, W.N. Jr.

    1958-11-01

    A pH cell is presented for monitoring the hydrogen ion concentration of a fluid in a process stream. The cell is made of glass with a side entry arm just above a reservoir in which the ends of a glass electrode and a reference electrode are situated. The glass electrode contains the usual internal solution which is connected to a lead. The reference electrode is formed of saturated calomel having a salt bridge in its bottom portion fabricated of a porous glass to insure low electrolyte flow. A flush tube leads into the cell through which buffer and flush solutions are introduced. A ground wire twists about both electrode ends to insure constant electrical grounding of the sample. The electrode leads are electrically connected to a pH meter of aay standard type.

  7. Paper-based maskless enzymatic sensor for glucose determination combining ink and wire electrodes.

    PubMed

    Amor-Gutiérrez, O; Costa Rama, E; Costa-García, A; Fernández-Abedul, M T

    2017-07-15

    In this work we have developed an amperometric enzymatic biosensor in a paper-based platform with a mixed electrode configuration: carbon ink for the working electrode (WE) and metal wires (from a low-cost standard electronic connection) for reference (RE) and auxiliary electrodes (AE). A hydrophobic wax-defined paper area was impregnated with diluted carbon ink. Three gold-plated pins of the standard connection are employed, one for connecting the WE and the other two acting as RE and AE. The standard connection works as a clip in order to support the paper in between. As a proof-of-concept, glucose sensing was evaluated. The enzyme cocktail (glucose oxidase, horseradish peroxidase and potassium ferrocyanide as mediator of the electron transfer) was adsorbed on the surface. After drying, glucose solution was added to the paper, on the opposite side of the carbon ink. It wets RE and AE, and flows by capillarity through the paper contacting the carbon WE surface. The reduction current of ferricyanide, product of the enzymatic reaction, is measured chronoamperometrically and correlates to the concentration of glucose. Different parameters related to the bioassay were optimized, adhering the piece of paper onto a conventional screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). In this way, the RE and the AE of the commercial card were employed for optimizing the paper-WE. After evaluating the assay system in the hybrid paper-SPCE cell, the three-electrode system consisting of paper-WE, wire-RE and wire-AE, was employed for glucose determination, achieving a linear range between 0.3 and 15mM with good analytical features and being able of quantifying glucose in real food samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Methods for detecting and locating leaks in containment facilities using electrical potential data and electrical resistance tomographic imaging techniques

    DOEpatents

    Daily, William D.; Laine, Daren L.; Laine, Edwin F.

    2001-01-01

    Methods are provided for detecting and locating leaks in liners used as barriers in the construction of landfills, surface impoundments, water reservoirs, tanks, and the like. Electrodes are placed in the ground around the periphery of the facility, in the leak detection zone located between two liners if present, and/or within the containment facility. Electrical resistivity data is collected using these electrodes. This data is used to map the electrical resistivity distribution beneath the containment liner or between two liners in a double-lined facility. In an alternative embodiment, an electrode placed within the lined facility is driven to an electrical potential with respect to another electrode placed at a distance from the lined facility (mise-a-la-masse). Voltage differences are then measured between various combinations of additional electrodes placed in the soil on the periphery of the facility, the leak detection zone, or within the facility. A leak of liquid through the liner material will result in an electrical potential distribution that can be measured at the electrodes. The leak position is located by determining the coordinates of an electrical current source pole that best fits the measured potentials with the constraints of the known or assumed resistivity distribution.

  9. Methods for detecting and locating leaks in containment facilities using electrical potential data and electrical resistance tomographic imaging techniques

    DOEpatents

    Daily, William D.; Laine, Daren L.; Laine, Edwin F.

    1997-01-01

    Methods are provided for detecting and locating leaks in liners used as barriers in the construction of landfills, surface impoundments, water reservoirs, tanks, and the like. Electrodes are placed in the ground around the periphery of the facility, in the leak detection zone located between two liners if present, and/or within the containment facility. Electrical resistivity data is collected using these electrodes. This data is used to map the electrical resistivity distribution beneath the containment liner between two liners in a double-lined facility. In an alternative embodiment, an electrode placed within the lined facility is driven to an electrical potential with respect to another electrode placed at a distance from the lined facility (mise-a-la-masse). Voltage differences are then measured between various combinations of additional electrodes placed in the soil on the periphery of the facility, the leak detection zone, or within the facility. A leak of liquid though the liner material will result in an electrical potential distribution that can be measured at the electrodes. The leak position is located by determining the coordinates of an electrical current source pole that best fits the measured potentials with the constraints of the known or assumed resistivity distribution.

  10. Methods for detecting and locating leaks in containment facilities using electrical potential data and electrical resistance tomographic imaging techniques

    DOEpatents

    Daily, W.D.; Laine, D.L.; Laine, E.F.

    1997-08-26

    Methods are provided for detecting and locating leaks in liners used as barriers in the construction of landfills, surface impoundments, water reservoirs, tanks, and the like. Electrodes are placed in the ground around the periphery of the facility, in the leak detection zone located between two liners if present, and/or within the containment facility. Electrical resistivity data is collected using these electrodes. This data is used to map the electrical resistivity distribution beneath the containment liner between two liners in a double-lined facility. In an alternative embodiment, an electrode placed within the lined facility is driven to an electrical potential with respect to another electrode placed at a distance from the lined facility (mise-a-la-masse). Voltage differences are then measured between various combinations of additional electrodes placed in the soil on the periphery of the facility, the leak detection zone, or within the facility. A leak of liquid though the liner material will result in an electrical potential distribution that can be measured at the electrodes. The leak position is located by determining the coordinates of an electrical current source pole that best fits the measured potentials with the constraints of the known or assumed resistivity distribution. 6 figs.

  11. Enhanced H2O2 Production at Reductive Potentials from Oxidized Boron-Doped Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Electrodes.

    PubMed

    Thostenson, James O; Ngaboyamahina, Edgard; Sellgren, Katelyn L; Hawkins, Brian T; Piascik, Jeffrey R; Klem, Ethan J D; Parker, Charles B; Deshusses, Marc A; Stoner, Brian R; Glass, Jeffrey T

    2017-05-17

    This work investigates the surface chemistry of H 2 O 2 generation on a boron-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (BD-UNCD) electrode. It is motivated by the need to efficiently disinfect liquid waste in resource constrained environments with limited electrical power. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to identify functional groups on the BD-UNCD electrode surfaces while the electrochemical potentials of generation for these functional groups were determined via cyclic voltammetry, chronocoulometry, and chronoamperometry. A colorimetric technique was employed to determine the concentration and current efficiency of H 2 O 2 produced at different potentials. Results showed that preanodization of an as-grown BD-UNCD electrode can enhance the production of H 2 O 2 in a strong acidic environment (pH 0.5) at reductive potentials. It is proposed that the electrogeneration of functional groups at oxidative potentials during preanodization allows for an increased current density during the successive electrolysis at reductive potentials that correlates to an enhanced production of H 2 O 2 . Through potential cycling methods, and by optimizing the applied potentials and duty cycle, the functional groups can be stabilized allowing continuous production of H 2 O 2 more efficiently compared to static potential methods.

  12. Gelatin coated electrodes allow prolonged bioelectronic measurements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1966-01-01

    Silver electrodes treated with an anodizing electrolyte containing gelatin are used for long term monitoring of bioelectronic potentials in humans. The electrodes do not interact with perspiration, cause skin irritation, or promote the growth of bacteria.

  13. The alkaline zinc electrode as a mixed potential system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fielder, W. L.

    1979-01-01

    Cathodic and anodic processes for the alkaline zinc electrode in 0.01 molar zincate electrolyte (9 molar hydroxide) were investigated. Cyclic voltammograms and current-voltage curves were obtained by supplying pulses through a potentiostat to a zinc rotating disk electrode. The data are interpreted by treating the system as one with a mixed potential; the processes are termed The zincate and corrosion reactions. The relative proportions of the two processes vary with the supplied potential. For the cathodic region, the cathodic corrosion process predominates at higher potentials while both processes occur simultaneously at a lower potential (i.e., 50 mV). For the anodic region, the anodic zincate process predominates at higher potentials while the anodic corrosion process is dominant at lower potential (i.e., 50 mV) if H2 is present.

  14. Direct electrochemical reduction of metal-oxides

    DOEpatents

    Redey, Laszlo I.; Gourishankar, Karthick

    2003-01-01

    A method of controlling the direct electrolytic reduction of a metal oxide or mixtures of metal oxides to the corresponding metal or metals. A non-consumable anode and a cathode and a salt electrolyte with a first reference electrode near the non-consumable anode and a second reference electrode near the cathode are used. Oxygen gas is produced and removed from the cell. The anode potential is compared to the first reference electrode to prevent anode dissolution and gas evolution other than oxygen, and the cathode potential is compared to the second reference electrode to prevent production of reductant metal from ions in the electrolyte.

  15. Visualizing the Zero-Potential Line of Bipolar Electrodes with Arbitrary Geometry.

    PubMed

    Li, Meng; Liu, Shasha; Jiang, Yingyan; Wang, Wei

    2018-06-05

    In a typical bipolar electrochemistry (BPE) configuration, voltage applied between the two driving electrodes induced a potential drop through solution filled in the microchannel, resulting in an interfacial potential difference between solution and BPE varied along the BPE. In the present work, we employed a recently developed plasmonic imaging technique to map the distribution of surface potential of bipolar electrodes with various geometries including round, triangle, hexagon, star, and rhombus shapes under the nonfaradaic charging process, from which the line of zero potential (LZP) was visualized and determined. We further investigated the dependence of LZP on electrode geometry and the distribution of external electric field and explained the experimental results with a charge balance mechanism. The triangular and star-shaped BPEs show quite different LZP features from the other ones with symmetrical geometry. These experimentally obtained potential distributions are all in good agreement with electromagnetic simulations. Finally, the line of zero overpotential (LZO) of the triangular-shaped BPE under faradaic reactions were investigated. The results confirm the shift of LZO when faradaic reactions occurred at the corresponding ends of BPE. The present work demonstrates the first experimental capability to map the potential distribution of BPE with arbitrary geometry under an arbitrary driving field. It is anticipated to help the design and optimization on the geometry of electrodes and microchannels with implications for boosting their applications in chemical sensing and materials synthesis.

  16. Preparation and Application of Electrodes in Capacitive Deionization (CDI): a State-of-Art Review.

    PubMed

    Jia, Baoping; Zhang, Wei

    2016-12-01

    As a promising desalination technology, capacitive deionization (CDI) have shown practicality and cost-effectiveness in brackish water treatment. Developing more efficient electrode materials is the key to improving salt removal performance. This work reviewed current progress on electrode fabrication in application of CDI. Fundamental principal (e.g. EDL theory and adsorption isotherms) and process factors (e.g. pore distribution, potential, salt type and concentration) of CDI performance were presented first. It was then followed by in-depth discussion and comparison on properties and fabrication technique of different electrodes, including carbon aerogel, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene and ordered mesoporous carbon. Finally, polyaniline as conductive polymer and its potential application as CDI electrode-enhancing materials were also discussed.

  17. A single-electrode electrochemical system for multiplex electrochemiluminescence analysis based on a resistance induced potential difference.

    PubMed

    Gao, Wenyue; Muzyka, Kateryna; Ma, Xiangui; Lou, Baohua; Xu, Guobao

    2018-04-28

    Developing low-cost and simple electrochemical systems is becoming increasingly important but still challenged for multiplex experiments. Here we report a single-electrode electrochemical system (SEES) using only one electrode not only for a single experiment but also for multiplex experiments based on a resistance induced potential difference. SEESs for a single experiment and multiplex experiments are fabricated by attaching a self-adhesive label with a hole and multiple holes onto an ITO electrode, respectively. This enables multiplex electrochemiluminescence analysis with high sensitivity at a very low safe voltage using a smartphone as a detector. For the multiplex analysis, the SEES using a single electrode is much simpler, cheaper and more user-friendly than conventional electrochemical systems and bipolar electrochemical systems using electrode arrays. Moreover, SEESs are free from the electrochemiluminescent background problem from driving electrodes in bipolar electrochemical systems. Since numerous electrodes and cover materials can be used to fabricate SEESs readily and electrochemistry is being extensively used, SEESs are very promising for broad applications, such as drug screening and high throughput analysis.

  18. A capacitive, biocompatible and adhesive electrode for long-term and cap-free monitoring of EEG signals.

    PubMed

    Lee, Seung Min; Kim, Jeong Hun; Byeon, Hang Jin; Choi, Yoon Young; Park, Kwang Suk; Lee, Sang-Hoon

    2013-06-01

    Long-term electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring broadens EEG applications to various areas, but it requires cap-free recording of EEG signals. Our objective here is to develop a capacitive, small-sized, adhesive and biocompatible electrode for the cap-free and long-term EEG monitoring. We have developed an electrode made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and adhesive PDMS for EEG monitoring. This electrode can be attached to a hairy scalp and be completely hidden by the hair. We tested its electrical and mechanical (adhesive) properties by measuring voltage gain to frequency and adhesive force using 30 repeat cycles of the attachment and detachment test. Electrode performance on EEG was evaluated by alpha rhythm detection and measuring steady state visually evoked potential and N100 auditory evoked potential. We observed the successful recording of alpha rhythm and evoked signals to diverse stimuli with high signal quality. The biocompatibility of the electrode was verified and a survey found that the electrode was comfortable and convenient to wear. These results indicate that the proposed EEG electrode is suitable and convenient for long term EEG monitoring.

  19. Electrodeposition of uranium and thorium onto small platinum electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reichenberger, Michael A.; Ito, Takashi; Ugorowski, Philip B.; Montag, Benjamin W.; Stevenson, Sarah R.; Nichols, Daniel M.; McGregor, Douglas S.

    2016-03-01

    Preparation of thin U- and Th-coated 0.3 mm diameter Pt working electrodes by the cyclic potential sweep method is described. Uranyl- and thorium hydroxide layers were electrodeposited from ethanol solutions containing 0.02 M natural uranyl and 0.02 M natural thorium nitrate, each with 3.6 M ammonium nitrate. The cell for electrodeposition was specially developed in order to accommodate the small working electrodes for this research by including a working electrode probe, 3-D translation stage, and microscope. The source material deposition was analyzed using digital microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and confirmed using x-ray fluorescence measurements. The appropriate potential range for electrodeposition was determined to be -0.62 V to -0.64 V for a 0.3 mm diameter Pt working electrode placed 1 cm from the counter electrode. Smooth, uniform deposition was observed near the central region of the working electrode, while surface cracking and crystalline formations were found near the edge of the working electrode. The final procedure for sample substrate preparation, electrolytic solution preparation and electrodeposition are described.

  20. Direct Electricity from Heat: A Solution to Assist Aircraft Power Demands

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Goldsby, Jon C.

    2010-01-01

    A thermionic device produces an electrical current with the application of a thermal gradient whereby the temperature at one electrode provides enough thermal energy to eject electrons. The system is totally predicated on the thermal gradient and the work function of the electrode collector relative to the emitter electrode. Combined with a standard thermoelectric device high efficiencies may result, capable of providing electrical energy from the waste heat of gas turbine engines.

  1. Novel Conductive Carbon Black and Polydimethlysiloxane ECG Electrode: A Comparison with Commercial Electrodes in Fresh, Chlorinated, and Salt Water.

    PubMed

    Noh, Yeonsik; Bales, Justin R; Reyes, Bersain A; Molignano, Jennifer; Clement, Amanda L; Pins, George D; Florian, John P; Chon, Ki H

    2016-08-01

    In this study, we evaluated the performance of two novel conductive carbon black (CB) and polydimethlysiloxane (PDMS) bio-potential electrodes, with and without an integrated flexible copper mesh, against commercially available electrodes (Polar(®) textile, Silver-coated textile, and carbon rubber). The electrodes were tested in three types of water (fresh/unfiltered, chlorinated, and salt water). Our testing revealed that our CB/PDMS electrode with integrated copper mesh provided a high-fidelity ECG signal morphologies without any amplitude degradation in all of the types of water tested (N = 10). The non-meshed CB/PDMS electrodes were also subjected to a long-term durability test by the US Navy SCUBA divers during which the electrodes maintained ECG signal quality for a 6 h period of continuous use. The results of a material degradation analysis revealed the CB/PDMS composite material does not exhibit significant changes in physical integrity after prolonged exposure to the test conditions. The newly developed meshed CB/PDMS electrodes have the potential to be used in a wide variety of both dry and wet environments including the challenge of obtaining ECG signals in salt water environments.

  2. Ethanol oxidation on Pt single-crystal electrodes: surface-structure effects in alkaline medium.

    PubMed

    Busó-Rogero, Carlos; Herrero, Enrique; Feliu, Juan M

    2014-07-21

    Ethanol oxidation in 0.1 M NaOH on single-crystal electrodes has been studied using electrochemical and FTIR techniques. The results show that the activity order is the opposite of that found in acidic solutions. The Pt(111) electrode displays the highest currents and also the highest onset potential of all the electrodes. The onset potential for the oxidation of ethanol is linked to the adsorption of OH on the electrode surface. However, small (or even negligible) amounts of CO(ads) and carbonate are detected by FTIR, which implies that cleavage of the C-C bond is not favored in this medium. The activity of the electrodes diminishes quickly upon cycling. The diminution of the activity is proportional to the measured currents and is linked to the formation and polymerization of acetaldehyde, which adsorbs onto the electrode surface and prevents further oxidation. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Design and Development of Non-Contact Bio-Potential Electrodes for Pervasive Health Monitoring Applications.

    PubMed

    Portelli, Anthony J; Nasuto, Slawomir J

    2017-01-01

    For the advent of pervasive bio-potential monitoring, it will be necessary to utilize a combination of cheap, quick to apply, low-noise electrodes and compact electronics with wireless technologies. Once available, all electrical activity resulting from the processes of the human body could be actively and constantly monitored without the need for cumbersome application and maintenance. This could significantly improve the early diagnosis of a range of different conditions in high-risk individuals, opening the possibility for new treatments and interventions as conditions develop. This paper presents the design and implementation of compact, non-contact capacitive bio-potential electrodes utilising a low impedance current-to-voltage configuration and a bootstrapped voltage follower, demonstrating results applicable to research applications for capacitive electrocardiography and capacitive electromyography. The presented electrodes use few components, have a small surface area and are capable of acquiring a range of bio-potential signals.

  4. Design and Development of Non-Contact Bio-Potential Electrodes for Pervasive Health Monitoring Applications

    PubMed Central

    Portelli, Anthony J.; Nasuto, Slawomir J.

    2017-01-01

    For the advent of pervasive bio-potential monitoring, it will be necessary to utilize a combination of cheap, quick to apply, low-noise electrodes and compact electronics with wireless technologies. Once available, all electrical activity resulting from the processes of the human body could be actively and constantly monitored without the need for cumbersome application and maintenance. This could significantly improve the early diagnosis of a range of different conditions in high-risk individuals, opening the possibility for new treatments and interventions as conditions develop. This paper presents the design and implementation of compact, non-contact capacitive bio-potential electrodes utilising a low impedance current-to-voltage configuration and a bootstrapped voltage follower, demonstrating results applicable to research applications for capacitive electrocardiography and capacitive electromyography. The presented electrodes use few components, have a small surface area and are capable of acquiring a range of bio-potential signals. PMID:28045439

  5. Development of an amperometric sulfite biosensor based on SO(x)/PBNPs/PPY modified ITO electrode.

    PubMed

    Rawal, Rachna; Pundir, C S

    2012-11-01

    A sulfite oxidase (SO(x)) (EC 1.8.3.1) purified from Syzygium cumini leaves was immobilized onto prussian blue nanoparticles/polypyrrole composite (PBNPs/PPY) electrodeposited onto the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. An amperometric sulfite biosensor was fabricated using SO(x)/PBNPs/PPY/ITO electrode as working electrode, Ag/AgCl as standard and Pt wire as auxiliary electrode connected through a potentiostat. The working electrode was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) before and after immobilization of SO(x). The biosensor showed optimum response within 2s, when operated at 20 mV s⁻¹ in 0.1M Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.5 and at 35 °C. Linear range and minimum detection limit were 0.5-1000 μM and 0.12 μM (S/N=3) respectively. There was good correlation (r=0.99) between red wine samples sulfite value by standard DTNB method and the present method. The sensor was evaluated with 97% recovery of added sulfite in red wine samples and 2.2% and 4.3% within and between batch coefficients of variation respectively. The sensor was employed for determination of sulfite level in red and white wine samples. The enzyme electrode was used 200 times over a period of 3 months when stored at 4 °C. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Electrochemistry in ethanol. I. Reference electrodes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zara, A.J.; de S. Bulhoes, L.O.

    1982-01-01

    The silver/silver nitrate electrode was found to be a suitable reference electrode in ethanolic solutions (2% v/v in water). The concentration of Ag/sup +/ inside the reference electrode is satisfactory in teh 0.1 to 10 mM concentration range. The liquid junction potential is minimized with sufficient supporting electrolyte (e.g., 0.1 to 0.5 M sodium perchlorate). The electrode is suitable for use as reference electrode in potentiometry and in polarography. Preparation is uncomplicated and the product is stable. 4 figures.

  7. Partial compilation and revision of basic data in the WATEQ programs

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Valentine, S.D.; Ball, J.W.; Plummer, Niel; Jones, B.F.

    1984-01-01

    Several portions of the basic data in the WATEQ series of computer programs (WATEQ, WATEQF, WATEQ2, WATEQ3, and PHREEQE) are compiled. The density and dielectric constant of water and their temperature dependence are evaluated for the purpose of updating the Debye-Huckel solvent parameters in the activity coefficient equations. The standard state thermodynamic properties of the Fe2+ and Fe3+ aqueous ions are refined. The main portion of this report is a comprehensive listing of aluminum hydrolysis constants, aluminum fluoride, aluminum sulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate stability constants, solubility product constants for gibbsite and amorphous aluminum hydroxide, and the standard electrode potentials for Fe (s)/Fe2+(aq) and Fe2 +(aq)/Fe3+(aq). (USGS)

  8. Submolecular Structure and Orientation of Oligonucleotide Duplexes Tethered to Gold Electrodes Probed by Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy: Effect of the Electrode Potentials.

    PubMed

    Kékedy-Nagy, László; Ferapontova, Elena E; Brand, Izabella

    2017-02-23

    Unique electronic and ligand recognition properties of the DNA double helix provide basis for DNA applications in biomolecular electronic and biosensor devices. However, the relation between the structure of DNA at electrified interfaces and its electronic properties is still not well understood. Here, potential-driven changes in the submolecular structure of DNA double helices composed of either adenine-thymine (dAdT) 25 or cytosine-guanine (dGdC) 20 base pairs tethered to the gold electrodes are for the first time analyzed by in situ polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM IRRAS) performed under the electrochemical control. It is shown that the conformation of the DNA duplexes tethered to gold electrodes via the C 6 alkanethiol linker strongly depends on the nucleic acid sequence composition. The tilt of purine and pyrimidine rings of the complementary base pairs (dAdT and dGdC) depends on the potential applied to the electrode. By contrast, neither the conformation nor orientation of the ionic in character phosphate-sugar backbone is affected by the electrode potentials. At potentials more positive than the potential of zero charge (pzc), a gradual tilting of the double helix is observed. In this tilted orientation, the planes of the complementary purine and pyrimidine rings lie ideally parallel to each other. These potentials do not affect the integral stability of the DNA double helix at the charged interface. At potentials more negative than the pzc, DNA helices adopt a vertical to the gold surface orientation. Tilt of the purine and pyrimidine rings depends on the composition of the double helix. In monolayers composed of (dAdT) 25 molecules the rings of the complementary base pairs lie parallel to each other. By contrast, the tilt of purine and pyrimidine rings in (dGdC) 20 helices depends on the potential applied to the electrode. Such potential-induced mobility of the complementary base pairs can destabilize the helix structure at a submolecular level. These pioneer results on the potential-driven changes in the submolecular structure of double stranded DNA adsorbed on conductive supports contribute to further understanding of the potential-driven sequence-specific electronic properties of surface-tethered oligonucleotides.

  9. In situ SERS spectroelectrochemical analysis of antioxidants deposited on copper substrates: What is the effect of applied potential on sorption behavior?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dendisova-Vyskovska, Marcela; Broncova, Gabriela; Clupek, Martin; Prokopec, Vadym; Matejka, Pavel

    2012-12-01

    The detection of p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid using a combined in situ electrochemical and surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopic technique in specially made electrode cell is described. New in situ spectroelectrochemical cell was designed as the three-electrode arrangement connected via positioning device to fiber-optic probe of Raman spectrometer Dimension P2 (excitation wavelength 785 nm). In situ SERS spectra of p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid were recorded at varying applied negative potentials to copper substrates. The spectral intensities and shapes of bands as well as spatial orientation of molecules on the surface depend significantly on varying values of the applied electrode potential. The change of electrode potential influences analyte adsorption/desorption behavior on the surface of copper substrates, affecting the reversibility of the whole process and overall spectral enhancement level. Principal component analysis is used to distinguish several stages of spectral variations on potential changes.

  10. Nanoporous carbon tunable resistor/transistor and methods of production thereof

    DOEpatents

    Biener, Juergen; Baumann, Theodore F; Dasgupta, Subho; Hahn, Horst

    2014-04-22

    In one embodiment, a tunable resistor/transistor includes a porous material that is electrically coupled between a source electrode and a drain electrode, wherein the porous material acts as an active channel, an electrolyte solution saturating the active channel, the electrolyte solution being adapted for altering an electrical resistance of the active channel based on an applied electrochemical potential, wherein the active channel comprises nanoporous carbon arranged in a three-dimensional structure. In another embodiment, a method for forming the tunable resistor/transistor includes forming a source electrode, forming a drain electrode, and forming a monolithic nanoporous carbon material that acts as an active channel and selectively couples the source electrode to the drain electrode electrically. In any embodiment, the electrolyte solution saturating the nanoporous carbon active channel is adapted for altering an electrical resistance of the nanoporous carbon active channel based on an applied electrochemical potential.

  11. DFT study on oxidation of HS(CH2) m SH ( m = 1-8) in oxidative desulfurization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Y. Z.; Song, J. J.; Zhao, T. T.; Chen, C. Y.; He, M.; Du, J.

    2016-06-01

    Density functional theory was employed for calculation of HS(CH2) m SH ( m = 1-8) and its derivatives at B3LYP method at 6-31++g ( d, p) level. Using eigenvalues of LUMO and HOMO for HS(CH2) m SH, the standard electrode potentials were estimated by a stepwise multiple regression techniques (MLR), and obtained as E° = 1.500 + 7.167 × 10-3 HOMO-0.229 LUMO with high correlation coefficients of 0.973 and F values of 43.973.

  12. [Qualitative and quantitative determination of amino-2 benzimidazole in aqueous medium by polarography (author's transl)].

    PubMed

    Roche, Y; Cantin, D; Vigier, J; Boucherle, A

    1978-03-01

    Amino-2 Benzimidazole, a residue of the decomposition of some fungicides (Benomyl, Carbendazine, Thiophanate, Methylthiophanate), is measured by polarography in aqueous medium, with a platinium rotating electrode, for the exploration in potentials from +0.5 v to 1.4 v. The best conditions for the quantitative determination are investigated, the study according to pH is performed and the standard curve is given for concentrations from 10(-5) to 10(-3) M/l. The interaction of elementts found in tap water and in aquarium water is also investigated.

  13. Nanocarbon-Coated Porous Anodic Alumina for Bionic Devices

    PubMed Central

    Aramesh, Morteza; Tong, Wei; Fox, Kate; Turnley, Ann; Seo, Dong Han; Prawer, Steven; Ostrikov, Kostya (Ken)

    2015-01-01

    A highly-stable and biocompatible nanoporous electrode is demonstrated herein. The electrode is based on a porous anodic alumina which is conformally coated with an ultra-thin layer of diamond-like carbon. The nanocarbon coating plays an essential role for the chemical stability and biocompatibility of the electrodes; thus, the coated electrodes are ideally suited for biomedical applications. The corrosion resistance of the proposed electrodes was tested under extreme chemical conditions, such as in boiling acidic/alkali environments. The nanostructured morphology and the surface chemistry of the electrodes were maintained after wet/dry chemical corrosion tests. The non-cytotoxicity of the electrodes was tested by standard toxicity tests using mouse fibroblasts and cortical neurons. Furthermore, the cell–electrode interaction of cortical neurons with nanocarbon coated nanoporous anodic alumina was studied in vitro. Cortical neurons were found to attach and spread to the nanocarbon coated electrodes without using additional biomolecules, whilst no cell attachment was observed on the surface of the bare anodic alumina. Neurite growth appeared to be sensitive to nanotopographical features of the electrodes. The proposed electrodes show a great promise for practical applications such as retinal prostheses and bionic implants in general. PMID:28793486

  14. Electrokinetically driven active micro-mixers utilizing zeta potential variation induced by field effect

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Chia-Yen; Lee, Gwo-Bin; Fu, Lung-Ming; Lee, Kuo-Hoong; Yang, Ruey-Jen

    2004-10-01

    This paper presents a new electrokinetically driven active micro-mixer which uses localized capacitance effects to induce zeta potential variations along the surface of silica-based microchannels. The mixer is fabricated by etching bulk flow and shielding electrode channels into glass substrates and then depositing Au/Cr thin films within the latter to form capacitor electrodes, which establish localized zeta potential variations near the electrical double layer (EDL) region of the electroosmotic flow (EOF) within the microchannels. The potential variations induce flow velocity changes within a homogeneous fluid and a rapid mixing effect if an alternating electric field is provided. The current experimental data confirm that the fluid velocity can be actively controlled by using the capacitance effect of the buried shielding electrodes to vary the zeta potential along the channel walls. While compared with commonly used planar electrodes across the microchannels, the buried shielding electrodes prevent current leakage caused by bad bonding and allow direct optical observation during operation. It also shows that the buried shielding electrodes can significantly induce the field effect, resulting in higher variations of zeta potential. Computational fluid dynamic simulations are also used to study the fluid characteristics of the developed active mixers. The numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the developed microfluidic device permits a high degree of control over the fluid flow and an efficient mixing effect. Moreover, the developed device could be used as a pumping device as well. The development of the active electrokinetically driven micro-mixer could be crucial for micro-total-analysis-systems.

  15. Recognition of the epicardial breakthrough on body surface isopotential maps: influence of the inter-electrode distance on the patterns reflecting the epicardial breakthrough.

    PubMed

    Toyama, J; Tabata, O

    1981-10-01

    The epicardial breakthrough can be recognized from the localized depression of the body surface potential, which is characterized by a localized bend of the equipotential lines or a send-minimum on isopotential maps. Recognition of epicardial breakthrough with isopotential maps enables us to diagnose location of the block site of the bundle branch blocks more precisely than by ECG or VCG. However, the optimum inter-electrode distance for detection of such a localized potential has not been determined. In the present study, influence of the inter-electrode distance on the characteristic patterns reflecting the epicardial breakthrough was studied on 16 healthy persons using 9 x 9 electrode arrays with inter-electrode distance of 1.25 cm, 5 x 5 with 2.5 cm, and 3 x 3 with 5 cm. Breakthrough was recognized in 15 out of 16 cases (94%) on maps recorded with electrode arrays with inter-electrode distance of 1.25 and 2.5 cm. However, detectability of the breakthrough was reduced to 10 out of 16 cases (63%) with electrode array having inter-electrode distance of 5 cm. In conclusion, it is preferable to use an electrode array with an inter-electrode distance of no more than 2.5 cm for the purpose of breakthrough recognition.

  16. Analysis of beat fluctuations and oxygen consumption in cardiomyocytes by scanning electrochemical microscopy.

    PubMed

    Hirano, Yu; Kodama, Mikie; Shibuya, Masahiro; Maki, Yoshiyuki; Komatsu, Yasuo

    2014-02-15

    The contractile behavior of cardiomyocytes can be monitored by measuring their action potentials, and the analysis is essential for screening the safety of potential drugs. However, immobilizing cardiac cells on a specific electrode is considerably complicated. In this study, we demonstrate that scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) can be used to analyze rapid topographic changes in beating cardiomyocytes in a standard culture dish. Various cardiomyocyte contraction parameters and oxygen consumption based on cell respiration could be determined from SECM data. We also confirmed that cellular changes induced by adding the cardiotonic agent digoxin were conveniently monitored by this SECM system. These results show that SECM can be a potentially powerful tool for use in drug development for cardiovascular diseases. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Initial experimental test of a helicon plasma based mass filter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gueroult, R.; Evans, E. S.; Zweben, S. J.; Fisch, N. J.; Levinton, F.

    2016-06-01

    High throughput plasma mass separation requires rotation control in a high density multi-species plasmas. A preliminary mass separation device based on a helicon plasma operating in gas mixtures and featuring concentric biasable ring electrodes is introduced. Plasma profile shows strong response to electrode biasing. In light of floating potential measurements, the density response is interpreted as the consequence of a reshaping of the radial electric field in the plasma. This field can be made confining or de-confining depending on the imposed potential at the electrodes, in a way which is consistent with single particle orbit radial stability. Concurrent spatially resolved spectroscopic measurements suggest ion separation, with heavy to light ion emission line ratio increasing with radius when a specific potential gradient is applied to the electrodes.

  18. Potentiometric sensors with carbon black supporting platinum nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Paczosa-Bator, Beata; Cabaj, Leszek; Piech, Robert; Skupień, Krzysztof

    2013-11-05

    For the first time, a single-piece, all-solid-state ion-selective electrode was fabricated with carbon black supporting platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs-CB) and a polymeric membrane. The PtNPs-CB, as an intermediate layer, was drop-casted directly on the solid substrate, and then an ionophore-doped solvent polymeric membrane was added in order to form a sensor. The performance of the newly developed electrodes was evaluated on the basis of potassium and nitrate ions. The stability of the electrical potential for the electrodes was examined by performing current-reversal chronopotentiometry, and the influence of the interfacial water film was assessed by the potentiometric aqueous-layer test. Fabricated potassium- and nitrate-selective electrodes displayed a Nernstian slope and several outstanding properties such as high long-term potential stability, potential repeatability, and reproducibility.

  19. Characterization of activated titanium solid reference electrodes for corrosion testing of steel in concrete

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Castro, P.; Maldonado, L.; Saguees, A.A.

    1996-08-01

    Small bars of Ti activated with mixed-metal oxide (commercially produced for permanent impressed-current anodes in cathodic protection) were used as embedded reference electrodes (RE) in concrete. Their electrochemical behavior was evaluated through measurements and analyses of potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic polarization (CP), and galvanostatic tests in buffer solutions of pH 4, 7, and 10, saturated calcium hydroxide, simulated concrete pore solution (SPS) with pH = 13.5, and various concrete mixes with and without pozzolanic additions as cement replacement. Effects of deaeration and sodium chloride additions were evaluated. The potential of the activated Ti rod (ATR) electrodes resembled themore » expected dependence for the system Ir{sub 2}O{sub 3} + H{sub 2}O = 2IrO{sub 2} + 2H{sup +} + 2e{sup {minus}} in aqueous solutions. The ATR electrode presented generally good stability with time in concrete for up to 900 days. Anomalous behavior was found in two concrete mixes with the highest pozzolanic content. Results from EIS tests revealed a constant phase element (CPE) behavior, which agreed with results of CP tests that showed a very large apparent interfacial capacitance. The apparent capacitance was on the order of 10{sup {minus}2} F/cm{sup 2}, resulting in very low impedance, which is advantageous when using ATR electrodes to conduct EIS or polarization resistance tests. Galvanostatic application of 0.075 {mu}A/cm{sup 2} caused little variation of potential with time, indicating the presence of a finite polarization resistance. Little short-term susceptibility of the ATR electrode potential to NaCl additions was found. The ATR electrode potential also showed little short-term sensitivity to variations in oxygen partial pressure.« less

  20. Electrostatic ion thruster optics calculations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Whealton, John H.; Kirkman, David A.; Raridon, R. J.

    1992-01-01

    Calculations have been performed which encompass both a self-consistent ion source extraction plasma sheath and the primary ion optics including sheath and electrode-induced aberrations. Particular attention is given to the effects of beam space charge, accelerator geometry, and properties of the downstream plasma sheath on the position of the electrostatic potential saddle point near the extractor electrode. The electron blocking potential blocking is described as a function of electrode thickness and secondary plasma processes.

  1. Regulation of electron transfer processes affects phototrophic mat structure and activity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ha, Phuc T.; Renslow, Ryan S.; Atci, Erhan

    Phototrophic microbial mats are among the most diverse ecosystems in nature. These systems undergo daily cycles in redox potential caused by variations in light energy input and metabolic interactions among the microbial species. In this work, solid electrodes with controlled potentials were placed under mats to study the electron transfer processes between the electrode and the microbial mat. The phototrophic microbial mat was harvested from Hot Lake, a hypersaline, epsomitic lake located near Oroville (Washington, USA). We operated two reactors: graphite electrodes were polarized at potentials of -700 mV Ag/AgCl [cathodic (CAT) mat system] and +300 mV Ag/AgCl [anodic (AN)more » mat system] and the electron transfer rates between the electrode and mat were monitored. We observed a diel cycle of electron transfer rates for both AN and CAT mat systems. Interestingly, the CAT mats generated the highest reducing current at the same time points that the AN mats showed the highest oxidizing current. To characterize the physicochemical factors influencing electron transfer processes, we measured depth profiles of dissolved oxygen (DO) and sulfide in the mats using microelectrodes. We further demonstrated that the mat-to-electrode and electrode-to-mat electron transfer rates were light- and temperature-dependent. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, we determined that the electrode potential regulated the diffusivity and porosity of the microbial mats. Both porosity and diffusivity were higher in the CAT mats than in the AN mats. We also used NMR spectroscopy for high-resolution quantitative metabolite analysis and found that the CAT mats had significantly higher concentrations of osmoprotectants such as betaine and trehalose. Subsequently, we performed amplicon sequencing across the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene of incubated mats to understand the impact of electrode potential on microbial community structure. In conclusion, these data suggested that variation in the electrochemical conditions under which mats were generated significantly impacted the relative abundances of mat members and mat metabolism.« less

  2. Regulation of electron transfer processes affects phototrophic mat structure and activity

    DOE PAGES

    Ha, Phuc T.; Renslow, Ryan S.; Atci, Erhan; ...

    2015-09-03

    Phototrophic microbial mats are among the most diverse ecosystems in nature. These systems undergo daily cycles in redox potential caused by variations in light energy input and metabolic interactions among the microbial species. In this work, solid electrodes with controlled potentials were placed under mats to study the electron transfer processes between the electrode and the microbial mat. The phototrophic microbial mat was harvested from Hot Lake, a hypersaline, epsomitic lake located near Oroville (Washington, USA). We operated two reactors: graphite electrodes were polarized at potentials of -700 mV Ag/AgCl [cathodic (CAT) mat system] and +300 mV Ag/AgCl [anodic (AN)more » mat system] and the electron transfer rates between the electrode and mat were monitored. We observed a diel cycle of electron transfer rates for both AN and CAT mat systems. Interestingly, the CAT mats generated the highest reducing current at the same time points that the AN mats showed the highest oxidizing current. To characterize the physicochemical factors influencing electron transfer processes, we measured depth profiles of dissolved oxygen (DO) and sulfide in the mats using microelectrodes. We further demonstrated that the mat-to-electrode and electrode-to-mat electron transfer rates were light- and temperature-dependent. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, we determined that the electrode potential regulated the diffusivity and porosity of the microbial mats. Both porosity and diffusivity were higher in the CAT mats than in the AN mats. We also used NMR spectroscopy for high-resolution quantitative metabolite analysis and found that the CAT mats had significantly higher concentrations of osmoprotectants such as betaine and trehalose. Subsequently, we performed amplicon sequencing across the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene of incubated mats to understand the impact of electrode potential on microbial community structure. In conclusion, these data suggested that variation in the electrochemical conditions under which mats were generated significantly impacted the relative abundances of mat members and mat metabolism.« less

  3. MEMBRANE POTENTIAL OF THE SQUID GIANT AXON DURING CURRENT FLOW

    PubMed Central

    Cole, Kenneth S.; Curtis, Howard J.

    1941-01-01

    The squid giant axon was placed in a shallow narrow trough and current was sent in at two electrodes in opposite sides of the trough and out at a third electrode several centimeters away. The potential difference across the membrane was measured between an inside fine capillary electrode with its tip in the axoplasm between the pair of polarizing electrodes, and an outside capillary electrode with its tip flush with the surface of one polarizing electrode. The initial transient was roughly exponential at the anode make and damped oscillatory at the sub-threshold cathode make with the action potential arising from the first maximum when threshold was reached. The constant change of membrane potential, after the initial transient, was measured as a function of the total polarizing current and from these data the membrane potential is obtained as a function of the membrane current density. The absolute value of the resting membrane resistance approached at low polarizing currents is about 23 ohm cm.2. This low value is considered to be a result of the puncture of the axon. The membrane was found to be an excellent rectifier with a ratio of about one hundred between the high resistance at the anode and the low resistance at the cathode for the current range investigated. On the assumption that the membrane conductance is a measure of its ion permeability, these experiments show an increase of ion permeability under a cathode and a decrease under an anode. PMID:19873234

  4. In situ potential distribution measurement in an all-vanadium flow battery.

    PubMed

    Liu, Qinghua; Turhan, Ahmet; Zawodzinski, Thomas A; Mench, Matthew M

    2013-07-18

    An experimental method for measurement of local redox potential within multilayer electrodes was developed and applied to all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). Through-plane measurement at the positive side reveals several important phenomena including potential distribution, concentration distribution of active species and the predominant reaction location within the porous carbon electrodes.

  5. Evaluation of electrokinetic parameters for all DNA bases with sputter deposited nanocarbon film electrode.

    PubMed

    Kato, Dai; Sumimoto, Michinori; Ueda, Akio; Hirono, Shigeru; Niwa, Osamu

    2012-12-18

    The electrokinetic parameters of all the DNA bases were evaluated using a sputter-deposited nanocarbon film electrode. It is very difficult to evaluate the electrokinetic parameters of DNA bases with conventional electrodes, and particularly those of pyrimidine bases, owing to their high oxidation potentials. Nanocarbon film formed by employing an electron cyclotron resonance sputtering method consists of a nanocrystalline sp(2) and sp(3) mixed bond structure that exhibits a sufficient potential window, very low adsorption of DNA molecules, and sufficient electrochemical activity to oxidize all DNA bases. A precise evaluation of rate constants (k) between all the bases and the electrodes is achieved for the first time by obtaining rotating disc electrode measurements with our nanocarbon film electrode. We found that the k value of each DNA base was dominantly dependent on the surface oxygen-containing group of the nanocarbon film electrode, which was controlled by electrochemical pretreatment. In fact, the treated electrode exhibited optimum k values for all the mononucleotides, namely, 2.0 × 10(-2), 2.5 × 10(-1), 2.6 × 10(-3), and 5.6 × 10(-3) cm s(-1) for GMP, AMP, TMP, and CMP, respectively. The k value of AMP was sufficiently enhanced by up to 33 times with electrochemical pretreatment. We also found the k values for pyrimidine bases to be much lower than those of purine bases although there was no large difference between their diffusion coefficient constants. Moreover, the theoretical oxidation potential values for all the bases coincided with those obtained in electrochemical experiments using our nanocarbon film electrode.

  6. Molecular Insights into Carbon Nanotube Supercapacitors: Capacitance Independent of Voltage and Temperature

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Feng, Guang; Li, Song; Atchison, Jennifer S.

    2013-04-12

    Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of supercapacitors with single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) electrodes in room-temperature ionic liquids were performed to investigate the influences of the applied electrical potential, the radius/curvature of SWCNTs, and temperature on their capacitive behavior. It is found that (1) SWCNTs-based supercapacitors exhibit a near-flat capacitance–potential curve, (2) the capacitance increases as the tube radius decreases, and (3) the capacitance depends little on the temperature. We report the first MD study showing the influence of the electrode curvature on the capacitance–potential curve and negligible dependence of temperature on capacitance of tubular electrode. The latter is in good agreementmore » with recent experimental findings and is attributed to the similarity of the electrical double layer (EDL) microstructure with temperature varying from 260 to 400 K. The electrode curvature effect is explained by the dominance of charge overscreening and increased ion density per unit area of electrode surface.« less

  7. Adhesion signals of phospholipid vesicles at an electrified interface.

    PubMed

    DeNardis, Nadica Ivošević; Žutić, Vera; Svetličić, Vesna; Frkanec, Ruža

    2012-09-01

    General adhesion behavior of phospholipid vesicles was examined in a wide range of potentials at the mercury electrode by recording time-resolved adhesion signals. It was demonstrated that adhesion-based detection is sensitive to polar headgroups in phospholipid vesicles. We identified a narrow potential window around the point of zero charge of the electrode where the interaction of polar headgroups of phosphatidylcholine vesicles with the substrate is manifested in the form of bidirectional signals. The bidirectional signal is composed of the charge flow due to the nonspecific interaction of vesicle adhesion and spreading and of the charge flow due to a specific interaction of the negatively charged electrode and the most exposed positively charged choline headgroups. These signals are expected to appear only when the electrode surface charge density is less than the surface charge density of the choline groups at the contact interface. In comparison, for the negatively charged phosphatidylserine vesicles, we identified the potential window at the mercury electrode where charge compensation takes place, and bidirectional signals were not detected.

  8. Bis(Dioxolene)Bis(Pyridine)Ruthenium Redox Series.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-08-20

    wurking and counter electrodes, and a AgCl/Ag quasi-reference electrode with ferrocene (Fc) as an internal standard. The Fc+/Fc couple was assumed to...assigning the electronic spectra of these species. Similar work has been completed on phosphine substituted species which offer a wider range of

  9. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    CATO DM; DAHL MM; PHILO GL

    This report documents the results of tests designed to characterize the relationship between temperature and the measured potential of electrodes installed on multi-probe corrosion monitoring systems in waste tanks. This report also documents the results of tests designed to demonstrate the impact of liquid in-leakage into electrode bodies as well as the contamination of primary reference electrodes by diffusion through the electrode tip.

  10. Electrowinning of U-Pu onto inert solid cathode in LiCl-KCl eutectic melts containing UCl3 and PuCl3

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sakamura, Yoshiharu; Murakami, Tsuyoshi; Tada, Kohei; Kitawaki, Shinichi

    2018-04-01

    Electrowinning process was investigated for extracting actinides from molten salts used for the pyrochemical reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels. The separation of actinides from lanthanides is expected to be enhanced by employing inert solid cathodes due to larger potential differences on these cathodes. In this study, the co-deposition behavior of Pu and U metals onto an inert solid cathode made of tungsten was examined in LiCl-KCl eutectic melts containing UCl3 and PuCl3 at 773 K. The standard potential of U3+/U is 0.31 V more positive than that of Pu3+/Pu. The U3+ concentration was varied in the range of 0.11-0.66 wt%, while the Pu3+ concentration was maintained at approximately 2.9 wt%. When the U3+ concentration was not sufficiently low, the deposited U metal readily grew outward from the electrode surface and the electrode surface area rapidly increased, which facilitated only the deposition of U metal. It was estimated that metallic Pu can be efficiently collected along with U at U3+ concentrations lower than ∼0.2 wt%.

  11. Trace level voltammetric determination of heavy metals and total mercury in tea matrices (Camellia sinensis).

    PubMed

    Melucci, Dora; Locatelli, Marcello; Locatelli, Clinio

    2013-12-01

    An analytical procedure regarding the voltammetric determination of mercury(II), copper(II), lead(II), cadmium(II) and zinc(II) by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) in matrices involved in food chain is proposed. In particular, tea leaves were analyzed as real samples. The digestion of each matrix was carried out using a concentrated HCl-HNO3-H2SO4 acidic attack mixture; 0.01 mol L(-1) EDTA-Na2+ 0.15 mol L(-1) NaCl + 0.5 mol L(-1) HCl was employed as the supporting electrolyte. The voltammetric measurements were carried out using a conventional three electrode cell, employing, as working electrodes, a gold electrode (GE) and a stationary hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The analytical procedure has been verified on the standard reference materials Spinach Leaves NIST-SRM 1570a, Tomato Leaves NIST-SRM 1573a and Apple Leaves NIST-SRM 1515. For all the elements, the precision as repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviation (sr) was of the order of 3-5%, while the trueness, expressed as relative error (e) was of the order of 3-7%. Once set up on the standard reference materials, the analytical procedure was applied to commercial tea leaves samples. A critical comparison with spectroscopic measurements is also discussed.

  12. Determination of volatile bases in seafood using the ammonia ion selective electrode: collaborative study.

    PubMed

    Ellis, P C; Pivarnik, L F; Thiam, M; Ellis, P C; Pivarnik, L F; Thiam, M

    2000-01-01

    Nine collaborating laboratories tested a combination of 23 seafood samples for volatile bases using an ammonia ion selective electrode. Results were reported as mg NH3/100 g fish, but the method reflected levels of both ammonia and trimethylamine, which permeated the ammonia membrane. The 23 samples were broken down into 8 blind duplicate pairs, 2 Youden matched pairs, and 3 single samples covering fresh to spoiled product ranging from 8 to 82 mg NH3/100 g. Seven species were evaluated: Atlantic cod, squid, Atlantic halibut, gray sole, monkfish, dogfish, and Atlantic mackerel. The ammonia electrode assay was performed on an aqueous homogenate consisting of 95 mL distilled water and 5.0 g sample tissue. Alkaline ion strength adjusting solution (2 mL) was added to the homogenate to liberate ammonia that was sensed by the ion specific electrode and measured on a precalibrated portable meter. Repeatability standard deviations (RSDr) ranged from 4.2 to 17%; reproducibility standard deviations (RSDR) ranged from 8.8 to 21%. A standard ammonium chloride solution was provided to all laboratories to spike 3 different samples at 10 mg NH3/100 g. Recoveries of added ammonia as ammonium chloride for fresh, borderline, and spoiled samples were 88.6, 107, and 128%, respectively.

  13. Nanopatterned conductive polymer films as a Pt, TCO-free counter electrode for low-cost dye-sensitized solar cells.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Jeong; Ganapathy, Veerappan; Kim, Young Hun; Song, Kyung-Deok; Park, Hong-Gyu; Jun, Yongseok; Yoo, Pil J; Park, Jong Hyeok

    2013-09-07

    A low-cost nanopatterned highly conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) thin film was fabricated on a flexible plastic substrate via a chemical polymerization method combined with a nanoimprinting technique and used as a platinum (Pt), TCO-free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The catalytic properties of the nanopatterned PEDOT as the counter electrode in DSSCs were studied using cyclic voltammetry, J-V measurements, impedance spectroscopy, and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. The nanopatterned PEDOT counter electrodes exhibit better functionality as a counter electrode for tri-iodide reduction when compared to non-patterned PEDOT-based counter electrodes. The Pt and TCO-free DSSCs with a nanopatterned PEDOT-based counter electrode exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 7.1% under one sunlight illumination (100 mW cm(-2)), which is comparable to that of conventional DSSCs with standard platinum Pt/FTO paired counter electrodes. The ability to modulate catalytic functionality with changes in nanoscale morphology represents a promising route for developing new counter electrodes of Pt and TCO-free DSSCs.

  14. High-surface-area architectures for improved charge transfer kinetics at the dark electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells.

    PubMed

    Hoffeditz, William L; Katz, Michael J; Deria, Pravas; Martinson, Alex B F; Pellin, Michael J; Farha, Omar K; Hupp, Joseph T

    2014-06-11

    Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) redox shuttles other than triiodide/iodide have exhibited significantly higher charge transfer resistances at the dark electrode. This often results in poor fill factor, a severe detriment to device performance. Rather than moving to dark electrodes of untested materials that may have higher catalytic activity for specific shuttles, the surface area of platinum dark electrodes could be increased, improving the catalytic activity by simply presenting more catalyst to the shuttle solution. A new copper-based redox shuttle that experiences extremely high charge-transfer resistance at conventional Pt dark electrodes yields cells having fill-factors of less than 0.3. By replacing the standard Pt dark electrode with an inverse opal Pt electrode fabricated via atomic layer deposition, the dark electrode surface area is boosted by ca. 50-fold. The resulting increase in interfacial electron transfer rate (decrease in charge-transfer resistance) nearly doubles the fill factor and therefore the overall energy conversion efficiency, illustrating the utility of this high-area electrode for DSCs.

  15. An 11 μ w, two-electrode transimpedance biosignal amplifier with active current feedback stabilization.

    PubMed

    Inan, O T; Kovacs, G T A

    2010-04-01

    A novel two-electrode biosignal amplifier circuit is demonstrated by using a composite transimpedance amplifier input stage with active current feedback. Micropower, low gain-bandwidth product operational amplifiers can be used, leading to the lowest reported overall power consumption in the literature for a design implemented with off-the-shelf commercial integrated circuits (11 μW). Active current feedback forces the common-mode input voltage to stay within the supply rails, reducing baseline drift and amplifier saturation problems that can be present in two-electrode systems. The bandwidth of the amplifier extends from 0.05-200 Hz and the midband voltage gain (assuming an electrode-to-skin resistance of 100 kΩ) is 48 dB. The measured output noise level is 1.2 mV pp, corresponding to a voltage signal-to-noise ratio approaching 50 dB for a typical electrocardiogram (ECG) level input of 1 mVpp. Recordings were taken from a subject by using the proposed two-electrode circuit and, simultaneously, a three-electrode standard ECG circuit. The residual of the normalized ensemble averages for both measurements was computed, and the power of this residual was 0.54% of the power of the standard ECG measurement output. While this paper primarily focuses on ECG applications, the circuit can also be used for amplifying other biosignals, such as the electroencephalogram.

  16. Numerical evaluation of moiré pattern in touch sensor module with electrode mesh structure in oblique view

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pournoury, M.; Zamiri, A.; Kim, T. Y.; Yurlov, V.; Oh, K.

    2016-03-01

    Capacitive touch sensor screen with the metal materials has recently become qualified for substitution of ITO; however several obstacles still have to be solved. One of the most important issues is moiré phenomenon. The visibility problem of the metal-mesh, in touch sensor module (TSM) is numerically considered in this paper. Based on human eye contract sensitivity function (CSF), moiré pattern of TSM electrode mesh structure is simulated with MATLAB software for 8 inch screen display in oblique view. Standard deviation of the generated moiré by the superposition of electrode mesh and screen image is calculated to find the optimal parameters which provide the minimum moiré visibility. To create the screen pixel array and mesh electrode, rectangular function is used. The filtered image, in frequency domain, is obtained by multiplication of Fourier transform of the finite mesh pattern (product of screen pixel and mesh electrode) with the calculated CSF function for three different observer distances (L=200, 300 and 400 mm). It is observed that the discrepancy between analytical and numerical results is less than 0.6% for 400 mm viewer distance. Moreover, in the case of oblique view due to considering the thickness of the finite film between mesh electrodes and screen, different points of minimum standard deviation of moiré pattern are predicted compared to normal view.

  17. Removal of trace metal contaminants from potable water by electrocoagulation

    PubMed Central

    Heffron, Joe; Marhefke, Matt; Mayer, Brooke K.

    2016-01-01

    This study investigated the effects of four operational and environmental variables on the removal of trace metal contaminants from drinking water by electrocoagulation (EC). Removal efficiencies for five metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and nickel) were compared under varying combinations of electrode material, post-treatment, water composition and pH. Iron electrodes out-performed aluminum electrodes in removing chromium and arsenic. At pH 6.5, aluminum electrodes were slightly more effective at removing nickel and cadmium, while at pH 8.5, iron electrodes were more effective for these metals. Regardless of electrode, cadmium and nickel removal efficiencies were higher at pH 8.5 than at pH 6.5. Post-EC treatment using membrane filtration (0.45 μm) enhanced contaminant removal for all metals but nickel. With the exception of lead, all metals exhibited poorer removal efficiencies as the ionic strength of the background electrolyte increased, particularly in the very high-solids synthetic groundwaters. Residual aluminum concentrations were lowest at pH 6.5, while iron residuals were lowest in low ionic strength waters. Both aluminum and iron residuals required post-treatment filtration to meet drinking water standards. EC with post-treatment filtration appears to effectively remove trace metal contaminants to potable water standards, but both reactor and source water parameters critically impact removal efficiency. PMID:27324564

  18. Effects of the guard electrode on the photoelectron distribution around an electric field sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miyake, Y.; Usui, H.; Kojima, H.

    2011-05-01

    We have developed a numerical model of a double-probe electric field sensor equipped with a photoelectron guard electrode for the particle-in-cell simulation. The model includes typical elements of modern double-probe sensors on, e.g., BepiColombo/MMO, Cluster, and THEMIS spacecraft, such as a conducting boom and a preamplifier housing called a puck. The puck is also used for the guard electrode, and its potential is negatively biased by reference to the floating spacecraft potential. We apply the proposed model to an analysis of an equilibrium plasma environment around the sensor by assuming that the sun illuminates the spacecraft from the direction perpendicular to the sensor deployment axis. As a simulation result, it is confirmed that a substantial number of spacecraft-originating photoelectrons are once emitted sunward and then fall onto the puck and sensing element positions. In order to effectively repel such photoelectrons coming from the sun direction, a potential hump for electrons, i.e., a negative potential region, should be created in a plasma region around the sunlit side of the guard electrode surface. The simulation results reveal the significance of the guard electrode potential being not only lower than the spacecraft body but also lower than the background plasma potential of the region surrounding the puck and the sensing element. One solution for realizing such an operational condition is to bias the guard potential negatively by reference to the sensor potential because the sensor is usually operated nearly at the background plasma potential.

  19. Structures, Compositions, and Activities of Live Shewanella Biofilms Formed on Graphite Electrodes in Electrochemical Flow Cells

    PubMed Central

    Kitayama, Miho; Koga, Ryota; Kasai, Takuya; Kouzuma, Atsushi

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT An electrochemical flow cell equipped with a graphite working electrode (WE) at the bottom was inoculated with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 expressing an anaerobic fluorescent protein, and biofilm formation on the WE was observed over time during current generation at WE potentials of +0.4 and 0 V (versus standard hydrogen electrodes), under electrolyte-flow conditions. Electrochemical analyses suggested the presence of unique electron-transfer mechanisms in the +0.4-V biofilm. Microscopic analyses revealed that, in contrast to aerobic biofilms, current-generating biofilm (at +0.4 V) was thin and flat (∼10 μm in thickness), and cells were evenly and densely distributed in the biofilm. In contrast, cells were unevenly distributed in biofilm formed at 0 V. In situ fluorescence staining and biofilm recovery experiments showed that the amounts of extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) in the +0.4-V biofilm were much smaller than those in the aerobic and 0-V biofilms, suggesting that Shewanella cells suppress the production of EPSs at +0.4 V under flow conditions. We suggest that Shewanella cells perceive electrode potentials and modulate the structure and composition of biofilms to efficiently transfer electrons to electrodes. IMPORTANCE A promising application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is to save energy in wastewater treatment. Since current is generated in these MFCs by biofilm microbes under horizontal flows of wastewater, it is important to understand the mechanisms for biofilm formation and current generation under water-flow conditions. Although massive work has been done to analyze the molecular mechanisms for current generation by model exoelectrogenic bacteria, such as Shewanella oneidensis, limited information is available regarding the formation of current-generating biofilms over time under water-flow conditions. The present study developed electrochemical flow cells and used them to examine the electrochemical and structural features of current-generating biofilms under water-flow conditions. We show unique features of mature biofilms actively generating current, creating opportunities to search for as-yet-undiscovered current-generating mechanisms in Shewanella biofilms. Furthermore, information provided in the present study is useful for researchers attempting to develop anode architectures suitable for wastewater treatment MFCs. PMID:28625998

  20. Structures, Compositions, and Activities of Live Shewanella Biofilms Formed on Graphite Electrodes in Electrochemical Flow Cells.

    PubMed

    Kitayama, Miho; Koga, Ryota; Kasai, Takuya; Kouzuma, Atsushi; Watanabe, Kazuya

    2017-09-01

    An electrochemical flow cell equipped with a graphite working electrode (WE) at the bottom was inoculated with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 expressing an anaerobic fluorescent protein, and biofilm formation on the WE was observed over time during current generation at WE potentials of +0.4 and 0 V (versus standard hydrogen electrodes), under electrolyte-flow conditions. Electrochemical analyses suggested the presence of unique electron-transfer mechanisms in the +0.4-V biofilm. Microscopic analyses revealed that, in contrast to aerobic biofilms, current-generating biofilm (at +0.4 V) was thin and flat (∼10 μm in thickness), and cells were evenly and densely distributed in the biofilm. In contrast, cells were unevenly distributed in biofilm formed at 0 V. In situ fluorescence staining and biofilm recovery experiments showed that the amounts of extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) in the +0.4-V biofilm were much smaller than those in the aerobic and 0-V biofilms, suggesting that Shewanella cells suppress the production of EPSs at +0.4 V under flow conditions. We suggest that Shewanella cells perceive electrode potentials and modulate the structure and composition of biofilms to efficiently transfer electrons to electrodes. IMPORTANCE A promising application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is to save energy in wastewater treatment. Since current is generated in these MFCs by biofilm microbes under horizontal flows of wastewater, it is important to understand the mechanisms for biofilm formation and current generation under water-flow conditions. Although massive work has been done to analyze the molecular mechanisms for current generation by model exoelectrogenic bacteria, such as Shewanella oneidensis , limited information is available regarding the formation of current-generating biofilms over time under water-flow conditions. The present study developed electrochemical flow cells and used them to examine the electrochemical and structural features of current-generating biofilms under water-flow conditions. We show unique features of mature biofilms actively generating current, creating opportunities to search for as-yet-undiscovered current-generating mechanisms in Shewanella biofilms. Furthermore, information provided in the present study is useful for researchers attempting to develop anode architectures suitable for wastewater treatment MFCs. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

  1. Electron transfer processes occurring on platinum neural stimulating electrodes: pulsing experiments for cathodic-first, charge-balanced, biphasic pulses for 0.566  ⩽  k  ⩽  2.3 in rat subcutaneous tissues

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumsa, Doe W.; Bhadra, Narendra; Hudak, Eric M.; Mortimer, J. Thomas

    2017-10-01

    Objective. Our mission is twofold: (1) find a way to safely inject more charge through platinum electrodes than the Shannon limit (k  =  1.75) permits and (2) nurture an interest in the neural stimulation community to understand the electron transfer process occurring on neural stimulating electrodes. Approach. We report here on measurements of the electrode potential, performed on platinum neural stimulating electrodes in the subcutaneous space of an anesthetized rat under neural stimulation conditions. Main results. The results for six platinum electrodes with areas ranging from 0.2 mm2 to 12.7 mm2 were similar to prior results in sulfuric acid, except that the measured potentials were shifted negative 0.36 V because of the pH difference between the two media. The anodic ‘end’ potential, measured at t  =  20 ms after the onset of the biphasic current pulse, was the primary focus of the data collected because previous results had shown that as charge injection crosses the Shannon limit (k  =  1.75), this potential moves into a range where platinum surface oxidation and dissolution is likely to occur. The behavior of V e(t  =  20 ms) over a range of electrode surface areas studied was consistent with our sulfuric acid study. Implicit, but little noticed, in Shannon’s formulation is that small and large platinum electrodes behave the same in terms of k value; our data supports this idea. Significance. We hypothesize that the k  =  1.75 Shannon limit for safe stimulation designates a charge-injection boundary above which platinum toxicity becomes a relevant consideration for living cells around an electrode, a possibility that can be directly tested, and is a vital step forward in mission (1).

  2. Electron transfer processes occurring on platinum neural stimulating electrodes: pulsing experiments for cathodic-first, charge-balanced, biphasic pulses for 0.566  ⩽  k  ⩽  2.3 in rat subcutaneous tissues.

    PubMed

    Kumsa, Doe W; Bhadra, Narendra; Hudak, Eric M; Mortimer, J Thomas

    2017-10-01

    Our mission is twofold: (1) find a way to safely inject more charge through platinum electrodes than the Shannon limit (k  =  1.75) permits and (2) nurture an interest in the neural stimulation community to understand the electron transfer process occurring on neural stimulating electrodes. We report here on measurements of the electrode potential, performed on platinum neural stimulating electrodes in the subcutaneous space of an anesthetized rat under neural stimulation conditions. The results for six platinum electrodes with areas ranging from 0.2 mm 2 to 12.7 mm 2 were similar to prior results in sulfuric acid, except that the measured potentials were shifted negative 0.36 V because of the pH difference between the two media. The anodic 'end' potential, measured at t  =  20 ms after the onset of the biphasic current pulse, was the primary focus of the data collected because previous results had shown that as charge injection crosses the Shannon limit (k  =  1.75), this potential moves into a range where platinum surface oxidation and dissolution is likely to occur. The behavior of V e (t  =  20 ms) over a range of electrode surface areas studied was consistent with our sulfuric acid study. Implicit, but little noticed, in Shannon's formulation is that small and large platinum electrodes behave the same in terms of k value; our data supports this idea. We hypothesize that the k  =  1.75 Shannon limit for safe stimulation designates a charge-injection boundary above which platinum toxicity becomes a relevant consideration for living cells around an electrode, a possibility that can be directly tested, and is a vital step forward in mission (1).

  3. Apparatus for use in rapid and accurate controlled-potential coulometric analysis

    DOEpatents

    Frazzini, Thomas L.; Holland, Michael K.; Pietri, Charles E.; Weiss, Jon R.

    1981-01-01

    An apparatus for controlled-potential coulometric analysis of a solution includes a cell to contain the solution to be analyzed and a plurality of electrodes to contact the solution in the cell. Means are provided to stir the solution and to control the atmosphere above it. A potentiostat connected to the electrodes controls potential differences among the electrodes. An electronic circuit connected to the potentiostat provides analog-to-digital conversion and displays a precise count of charge transfer during a desired chemical process. This count provides a measure of the amount of an unknown substance in the solution.

  4. A Low-Power Bio-Potential Acquisition System with Flexible PDMS Dry Electrodes for Portable Ubiquitous Healthcare Applications

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Chih-Yuan; Chang, Chia-Lin; Chang, Chih-Wei; Lai, Shin-Chi; Chien, Tsung-Fu; Huang, Hong-Yi; Chiou, Jin-Chern; Luo, Ching-Hsing

    2013-01-01

    This work describes a bio-potential acquisition system for portable ubiquitous healthcare applications using flexible polydimethylsiloxane dry electrodes (FPDEs) and a low-power recording circuit. This novel FPDE used Au as the skin contact layer, which was made using a CO2 laser and replica method technology. The FPDE was revised from a commercial bio-potential electrode with a conductive snap using dry electrodes rather than wet electrodes that proposed reliable and robust attachment for the purpose of measurement, and attaching velcro made it wearable on the forearm for bio-potential applications. Furthermore, this study proposes a recording device to store bio-potential signal data and provides portability and low-power consumption for the proposed acquisition system. To acquire differential bio-potentials, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, the proposed recording device includes a low-power front-end acquisition chip fabricated using a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process, a commercial microcontroller (MSP430F149), and a secure digital (SD) card for portable healthcare applications. The proposed system can obtain ECG signals efficiently and are comfortable to the skin. The power consumption of the system is about 85 mW for continuous working over a 3 day period with two AA batteries. It can also be used as a compact Holter ECG system. PMID:23459390

  5. Impact of rounded electrode corners on breakdown characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yamazaki, Taisei; Asubar, Joel T.; Tokuda, Hirokuni; Kuzuhara, Masaaki

    2018-05-01

    We investigated the impact of rounded electrode corners on the breakdown characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors. For standard reference devices, catastrophic breakdown occurred predominantly near the sharp electrode corners. By introducing a rounded-electrode architecture, premature breakdown at the corners was mitigated. Moreover, the rate of breakdown voltage (V BR) degradation with an increasing gate width (W G) was significantly lower for devices with rounded corners. When W G was increased from 100 µm to 10 mm, the V BR of the reference device dropped drastically, from 1,200 to 300 V, whereas that of the rounded-electrode device only decreased to a respectable value of 730 V.

  6. Portable probe to measure sensitization of stainless steel

    DOEpatents

    Park, Jang Y.

    1979-01-01

    An electrochemical cell for making field measurements of metals such as stainless steel comprises a cylinder containing a reservoir of an electrolyte, a reference electrode, a capillary tube connecting the electrolyte to the surface of the metal to be measured and another electrode in electrical contact with the electrolyte. External connections from the reference electrode, the other electrode, and the sample to a measuring device provide means for maintaining the potential of the electrolyte while sweeping the potential difference between the electrolyte and the metal. Such a sweep enables the determination of a current-voltage characteristic that is a measure of sensitization in the metal.

  7. The Influence of Anion Shape on the Electrical Double Layer Microstructure and Capacitance of Ionic Liquids-Based Supercapacitors by Molecular Simulations.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ming; Li, Song; Feng, Guang

    2017-02-16

    Room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are an emerging class of electrolytes for supercapacitors. In this work, we investigate the effects of different supercapacitor models and anion shape on the electrical double layers (EDLs) of two different RTILs: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Emim][Tf₂N]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 2-(cyano)pyrrolide ([Emim][CNPyr]) by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The EDL microstructure is represented by number densities of cations and anions, and the potential drop near neutral and charged electrodes reveal that the supercapacitor model with a single electrode has the same EDL structure as the model with two opposite electrodes. Nevertheless, the employment of the one-electrode model without tuning the bulk density of RTILs is more time-saving in contrast to the two-electrode one. With the one-electrode model, our simulation demonstrated that the shapes of anions significantly imposed effects on the microstructure of EDLs. The EDL differential capacitance vs. potential (C-V) curves of [Emim][CNPyr] electrolyte exhibit higher differential capacitance at positive potentials. The modeling study provides microscopic insight into the EDLs structure of RTILs with different anion shapes.

  8. A Corona Discharge Initiated Electrochemical Electrospray Ionization Technique

    PubMed Central

    Lloyd, John R.; Hess, Sonja

    2009-01-01

    We report here the development of a corona discharge (CD) initiated electrochemical (EC) electrospray ionization (ESI) technique using a standard electrospray ion source. This is a new ionization technique distinct from ESI, electrochemistry inherent to ESI, APCI, and techniques using hydroxyl radicals produced under atmospheric pressure conditions. By maximizing the observable CD at the tip of a stainless steel ESI capillary, efficient electrochemical oxidation of electrochemically active compounds is observed. For electrochemical oxidation to be observed, the ionization potential of the analyte must be lower than Fe. Ferrocene labeled compounds were chosen as the electrochemically active moiety. The electrochemical cell in the ESI source was robust and generated ions with selectivity according to the ionization potential of the analytes and up to zeptomolar sensitivity. Our results indicate that CD initiated electrochemical ionization has the potential to become a powerful technique to increase the dynamic range, sensitivity and selectivity of ESI experiments. Synopsis Using a standard ESI source a corona discharge initiated electrochemical ionization technique was established resulting from the electrochemistry occurring at the CD electrode surface. PMID:19747843

  9. Showcasing electrode-electrolyte interfacial potential as a vital parameter in the hydrogen generation by metal oxides electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Niveditha, C. V.; Nizamudeen, A. C.; Ramanarayanan, Rajita; Jabeen Fatima, M. J.; Swaminathan, Sindhu

    2018-03-01

    This investigation presents a new insight by experimentally demonstrating electrode-electrolyte interface potential that is flat band potential as a determinant in photoelectrochemical splitting of water. Two different metal oxides namely n type, nitrogen doped titania and p type copper oxides have been synthesized for the study. The flat band potential values of these oxide systems were obtained from Mott-Schottky analysis. The obtained flat band potential is used as a marker to fix the working potential in water splitting experiment. To obtain optimum photocurrent a potential more positive than flatband is applied to n-type N-TiO2 and vice-versa for p-type Cu2O. The findings are well supported by I-t curves derived from chronoamperometric measurements. Finally the mechanisms behind interfacial potential dynamics have been discussed in this work.

  10. XML-BSPM: an XML format for storing Body Surface Potential Map recordings.

    PubMed

    Bond, Raymond R; Finlay, Dewar D; Nugent, Chris D; Moore, George

    2010-05-14

    The Body Surface Potential Map (BSPM) is an electrocardiographic method, for recording and displaying the electrical activity of the heart, from a spatial perspective. The BSPM has been deemed more accurate for assessing certain cardiac pathologies when compared to the 12-lead ECG. Nevertheless, the 12-lead ECG remains the most popular ECG acquisition method for non-invasively assessing the electrical activity of the heart. Although data from the 12-lead ECG can be stored and shared using open formats such as SCP-ECG, no open formats currently exist for storing and sharing the BSPM. As a result, an innovative format for storing BSPM datasets has been developed within this study. The XML vocabulary was chosen for implementation, as opposed to binary for the purpose of human readability. There are currently no standards to dictate the number of electrodes and electrode positions for recording a BSPM. In fact, there are at least 11 different BSPM electrode configurations in use today. Therefore, in order to support these BSPM variants, the XML-BSPM format was made versatile. Hence, the format supports the storage of custom torso diagrams using SVG graphics. This diagram can then be used in a 2D coordinate system for retaining electrode positions. This XML-BSPM format has been successfully used to store the Kornreich-117 BSPM dataset and the Lux-192 BSPM dataset. The resulting file sizes were in the region of 277 kilobytes for each BSPM recording and can be deemed suitable for example, for use with any telemonitoring application. Moreover, there is potential for file sizes to be further reduced using basic compression algorithms, i.e. the deflate algorithm. Finally, these BSPM files have been parsed and visualised within a convenient time period using a web based BSPM viewer. This format, if widely adopted could promote BSPM interoperability, knowledge sharing and data mining. This work could also be used to provide conceptual solutions and inspire existing formats such as DICOM, SCP-ECG and aECG to support the storage of BSPMs. In summary, this research provides initial ground work for creating a complete BSPM management system.

  11. AC electric field induced dielectrophoretic assembly behavior of gold nanoparticles in a wide frequency range

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Weiyu; Wang, Chunhui; Ding, Haitao; Shao, Jinyou; Ding, Yucheng

    2016-05-01

    In this work, we focus on frequency-dependence of pearl chain formations (PCF) of gold nanoparticles driven by AC dielectrophoresis (DEP), especially in a low field-frequency range, where induced double-layer charging effect at ideally polarizable surfaces on particle DEP behavior and surrounding liquid motion need not be negligible. As field frequency varies, grown features of DEP assembly structures ranging from low-frequency non-bridged gap to high-frequency single gold nanoparticle-made nanowires bridging the electrodes are demonstrated experimentally. Specifically, at 10 kHz, a kind of novel channel-like structure with parallel opposing banks is formed at the center of interelectrode gap. In stark contrast, at 1 MHz, thin PCF with diameter of 100 nm is created along the shortest distance of the isolation spacing. Moreover, a particular conductive path of nanoparticle chains is produced at 1 MHz in a DEP device embedded with multiple floating electrodes. A theoretical framework taking into account field-induced double-layer polarization at both the particle/electrolyte and electrode/electrolyte interface is developed to correlate these experimental observations with induced-charge electrokinetic (ICEK) phenomenon. And a RC circuit model is helpful in accounting for the formation of this particular non-bridged channel-like structure induced by a low-frequency AC voltage. As compared to thin PCF formed at high field frequency that effectively short circuits the electrode pair, though it is difficult for complete PCF bridging to occur at low frequency, the non-bridged conducting microstructure has potential to further miniaturize the size of electrode gap fabricated by standard micromachining process and may find useful application in biochemical sensing.

  12. Development of gold nanoparticles modified screen-printed carbon electrode for the analysis of thiram, disulfiram and their derivative in food using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography.

    PubMed

    Charoenkitamorn, Kanokwan; Chailapakul, Orawon; Siangproh, Weena

    2015-01-01

    For the first time, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was developed as working electrode in ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with electrochemical detection (UHPLC-ED) for simultaneous determination of thiram, disulfiram, and N,N-diethyl-N',N'-dimethylthiuram disulfide, their derivative compound. The separation was performed in reversed-phase mode using C18 column, mobile phase consisting of 55:45 (v/v) ratio of 0.05 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 5) and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.5 mL min(-1). For the detection part, the amperometric detection was chosen with a detection potential of 1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Under the optimal conditions, the good linear relationship was obtained in the range of 0.07-15, 0.07-12, and 0.5-15 µg mL(-1) (correlation coefficient more than 0.9900) for thiram, N,N-diethyl-N',N'-dimethylthiuram disulfide, and disulfiram, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) of thiram, N,N-diethyl-N',N'-dimethylthiuram disulfide, and disulfiram were 0.022, 0.023, and 0.165 µg mL(-1), respectively. Moreover, this method was successfully applied for the detection of these compounds in real samples (apple, grape and lettuce) with the recoveries ranging from 94.3% to 108.8%. To validate this developed method, a highly quantitative agreement was clearly observed compared to standard UHPLC-UV system. Therefore, the proposed electrode can be effectively used as an alternative electrode in UHPLC-ED for rapid, selective, highly sensitive, and simultaneous determination of thiram, disulfiram, and N,N-diethyl-N',N'-dimethylthiuram disulfide. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Ionic Current Measurements in the Squid Giant Axon Membrane

    PubMed Central

    Cole, Kenneth S.; Moore, John W.

    1960-01-01

    The concepts, experiments, and interpretations of ionic current measurements after a step change of the squid axon membrane potential require the potential to be constant for the duration and the membrane area measured. An experimental approach to this ideal has been developed. Electrometer, operational, and control amplifiers produce the step potential between internal micropipette and external potential electrodes within 40 microseconds and a few millivolts. With an internal current electrode effective resistance of 2 ohm cm.2, the membrane potential and current may be constant within a few millivolts and 10 per cent out to near the electrode ends. The maximum membrane current patterns of the best axons are several times larger but of the type described by Cole and analyzed by Hodgkin and Huxley when the change of potential is adequately controlled. The occasional obvious distortions are attributed to the marginal adequacy of potential control to be expected from the characteristics of the current electrodes and the axon. Improvements are expected only to increase stability and accuracy. No reason has been found either to question the qualitative characteristics of the early measurements or to so discredit the analyses made of them. PMID:13694548

  14. Enhanced H2O2 Production at Reductive Potentials from Oxidized Boron-Doped Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    This work investigates the surface chemistry of H2O2 generation on a boron-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (BD-UNCD) electrode. It is motivated by the need to efficiently disinfect liquid waste in resource constrained environments with limited electrical power. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to identify functional groups on the BD-UNCD electrode surfaces while the electrochemical potentials of generation for these functional groups were determined via cyclic voltammetry, chronocoulometry, and chronoamperometry. A colorimetric technique was employed to determine the concentration and current efficiency of H2O2 produced at different potentials. Results showed that preanodization of an as-grown BD-UNCD electrode can enhance the production of H2O2 in a strong acidic environment (pH 0.5) at reductive potentials. It is proposed that the electrogeneration of functional groups at oxidative potentials during preanodization allows for an increased current density during the successive electrolysis at reductive potentials that correlates to an enhanced production of H2O2. Through potential cycling methods, and by optimizing the applied potentials and duty cycle, the functional groups can be stabilized allowing continuous production of H2O2 more efficiently compared to static potential methods. PMID:28471651

  15. A new concept of a vacuum insulation tandem accelerator.

    PubMed

    Sorokin, I; Taskaev, S

    2015-12-01

    A tandem accelerator with vacuum insulation has been proposed and developed in the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics. Negative hydrogen ions are accelerated by the positive 1 MV potential of the high voltage electrode, converted into protons in the gas stripping target inside the electrode, and then the protons are accelerated again by the same potential. The potential for high voltage and intermediate electrodes is supplied by the sectioned rectifier through a sectioned bushing insulator with a resistive divider. In this work, we propose a radical improvement of the accelerator concept. It is proposed to abandon the separate placement of the accelerator and the power supply and connect them through the bushing insulator. The source of high voltage is proposed to be located inside the accelerator insulator with high voltage and intermediate electrodes mounted on it. This will reduce the facility height from 7 m to 3m and make it really compact and attractive for placing in a clinic. This will significantly increase the stability of the accelerator because the potential for intermediate electrodes can be fed directly from the relevant sections of the rectifier. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Bilateral cochlear implants in infants: a new approach--Nucleus Hybrid S12 project.

    PubMed

    Gantz, Bruce J; Dunn, Camille C; Walker, Elizabeth A; Kenworthy, Maura; Van Voorst, Tanya; Tomblin, Bruce; Turner, Chris

    2010-10-01

    The purpose of this feasibility study was to evaluate whether the use of a shorter-length cochlear implant (10 mm) on one ear and a standard electrode (24 mm) on the contralateral ear is a viable bilateral option for children with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. A secondary purpose of this study was to determine whether the ear with the shorter-length electrode performs similarly to the standard-length electrode. Our goal was to provide an option of electrical stimulation that theoretically might preserve the structures of the scala media and organ of Corti. The study is being conducted as a repeated-measure, single-subject experiment. University of Iowa-Department of Otolaryngology. Eight pediatric patients with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss between the ages of 12 and 24 months. Nucleus Hybrid S12 10-mm electrode and a Nucleus Freedom implant in the contralateral ear. The Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS) parent questionnaire, Early Speech Perception, Glendonald Auditory Screening Procedure word test, and Children's Vowel tests will be used to evaluate speech perception and the Minnesota Child Development Inventory and Preschool Language Scales 3 test will be used to evaluate language growth. Preliminary results for 8 children have been collected before and after the operation using the IT-MAIS. All 3 children showed incremental improvements in their IT-MAIS scores overtime. Early Speech Perception, Glendonald Auditory Screening Procedure word test, and Children's Vowel word perception results indicated no difference between the individual ears for the 2 children tested. Performance compared with age-matched children implanted with standard bilateral cochlear implants showed similar results to the children implanted with Nucleus Hybrid S12 10-mm electrode and a Nucleus Freedom implant in contralateral ears. The use of a shorter-length cochlear implant on one ear and a standard-length electrode on the contralateral ear might provide a viable option for bilateral cochlear implantation in children with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. Further study of this patient population will be continued.

  17. Bilateral Cochlear Implants in Infants: A New Approach—Nucleus Hybrid S12 Project

    PubMed Central

    Gantz, Bruce J.; Dunn, Camille C.; Walker, Elizabeth A.; Kenworthy, Maura; Van Voorst, Tanya; Tomblin, Bruce; Turner, Chris

    2010-01-01

    Objective The purpose of this feasibility study was to evaluate whether the use of a shorter-length cochlear implant (10 mm) on one ear and a standard electrode (24 mm) on the contralateral ear is a viable bilateral option for children with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. A secondary purpose of this study was to determine whether the ear with the shorter-length electrode performs similarly to the standard-length electrode. Our goal was to provide an option of electrical stimulation that theoretically might preserve the structures of the scala media and organ of Corti. Study Design The study is being conducted as a repeated-measure, single-subject experiment. Setting University of Iowa—Department of Otolaryngology. Patients Eight pediatric patients with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss between the ages of 12 and 24 months. Interventions Nucleus Hybrid S12 10-mm electrode and a Nucleus Freedom implant in the contralateral ear. Main Outcome Measures The Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS) parent questionnaire, Early Speech Perception, Glendonald Auditory Screening Procedure word test, and Children’s Vowel tests will be used to evaluate speech perception and the Minnesota Child Development Inventory and Preschool Language Scales 3 test will be used to evaluate language growth. Results Preliminary results for 8 children have been collected before and after the operation using the IT-MAIS. All 3 children showed incremental improvements in their IT-MAIS scores overtime. Early Speech Perception, Glendonald Auditory Screening Procedure word test, and Children’s Vowel word perception results indicated no difference between the individual ears for the 2 children tested. Performance compared with age-matched children implanted with standard bilateral cochlear implants showed similar results to the children implanted with Nucleus Hybrid S12 10-mm electrode and a Nucleus Freedom implant in contralateral ears. Conclusion The use of a shorter-length cochlear implant on one ear and a standard-length electrode on the contralateral ear might provide a viable option for bilateral cochlear implantation in children with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. Further study of this patient population will be continued. PMID:20802369

  18. Low-Noise Implantable Electrode

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lund, G. F.

    1982-01-01

    New implantable electrocardiogram electrode much less sensitive than previous designs to spurious biological potentials. Designed in novel "pocket" configuration, new electrode is intended as sensor for radiotelemetry of biological parameters in experiments on unrestrained subjects. Electrode is esentially squashed cylinder that admits body fluid into interior. Cylinder and electrical lead are made of stainless steel. Spot welding and crimping are used for assembly, rather than soldering.

  19. Recent Progress in Self-Supported Metal Oxide Nanoarray Electrodes for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Feng; Qi, Limin

    2016-09-01

    The rational design and fabrication of electrode materials with desirable architectures and optimized properties has been demonstrated to be an effective approach towards high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Although nanostructured metal oxide electrodes with high specific capacity have been regarded as the most promising alternatives for replacing commercial electrodes in LIBs, their further developments are still faced with several challenges such as poor cycling stability and unsatisfying rate performance. As a new class of binder-free electrodes for LIBs, self-supported metal oxide nanoarray electrodes have many advantageous features in terms of high specific surface area, fast electron transport, improved charge transfer efficiency, and free space for alleviating volume expansion and preventing severe aggregation, holding great potential to solve the mentioned problems. This review highlights the recent progress in the utilization of self-supported metal oxide nanoarrays grown on 2D planar and 3D porous substrates, such as 1D and 2D nanostructure arrays, hierarchical nanostructure arrays, and heterostructured nanoarrays, as anodes and cathodes for advanced LIBs. Furthermore, the potential applications of these binder-free nanoarray electrodes for practical LIBs in full-cell configuration are outlined. Finally, the future prospects of these self-supported nanoarray electrodes are discussed.

  20. Preparation of Pt/polypyrrole-para toluene sulfonate hydrogen peroxide sensitive electrode for the utilizing as a biosensor.

    PubMed

    Çete, Servet; Bal, Özgür

    2013-12-01

    A film electrode with electropolymerization of pyrrole (Py) and para-toluene sulfonate (pTS) as a anionic dopant is prepared and its sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide is investigated. The polypyrrole is deposited on a 0.5 cm(2) Pt plate an electrochemically prepared pTS ion-doped polypyrrole film by scanning the electrode potential between - 0.8 and + 0.8 V at a scan rate of 20 mV/s. The electrode's sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide is investigated at room temperature using 0.1 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.5. The working potential is found as a 0.3 V. The concentrations of pyrrole and pTS are 50mM M and 25 mM. Polypyrrole was coated on the electrode surface within 10 cycles. İmmobilization of glucose oxidase carried out on Pt/polypyrrole-para toluene sulfonate (Pt/PPy-pTS) film by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The morphology of electrodes was characterized by SEM and AFM. Moreover, contact angle measurements were made with 1 μL water of polymer film and enzyme electrode. It has shown that enzyme electrode is very sensitive against to glucose.

  1. Position Sensitive Proximity Charge Sensing Readout of HPGe Detectors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Priest, Anders Peterson

    Electrode segmentation is a necessity to achieve position sensitivity in semicon- ductor radiation detectors. Traditional segmentation requires decreasing electrode sizes while increasing channel numbers to achieve very fine position resolution. These electrodes can be complicated to fabricate, and many electrodes with individual electronic channels are required to instrument large detector areas. To simplify the fabrication process, we have moved the readout electrodes onto a printed circuit board that is positioned above the ionization type detection material. In this scheme, charge from radiation interactions will be shared amongst several electrodes, allowing for position interpolation. Because events can be reconstructed in between electrodes, fewer electrodes are needed to instrument large detector areas. The proximity charge sensing method of readout promises to simplify detector fabrication while maintaining the position resolution that is required by fields such as homeland security, astrophysics, environmental remediation, nuclear physics, and medical imaging. We performed scanning measurements on a proof of principle detector that we fabricated at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). These measurements showed that position resolution much finer than the strip pitch was achievable using the proximity charge readout method. We performed analytic calculations and Monte Carlo modeling to optimize the readout electrode geometry for a larger detector to test the limits of this technology. We achieved an average position resolution of 288 microm with eight proximity electrodes at a 5 mm pitch and 1 mm strip width, set 100 microm away from the detector surface by a Kapton spacer. To achieve this resolution using standard technologies, 300 microm pitch strips are necessary, and would require 100 channels to instrument the same area. Through our optimization calculations, we found that there is a trade-off between position resolution and energy resolution, and this system provided comparatively poor energy resolution by HPGe standards, with 4.7 keV FWHM at 59.5 keV. With another electrode geometry, we were able to achieve 2.9 keV FWHM at 59.5 keV. This dissertation describes the work we completed to achieve these results.

  2. Electromechanical transducer for acoustic telemetry system

    DOEpatents

    Drumheller, D.S.

    1993-06-22

    An improved electromechanical transducer is provided for use in an acoustic telemetry system. The transducer of this invention comprises a stack of ferroelectric ceramic disks interleaved with a plurality of spaced electrodes which are used to electrically pole the ceramic disks. The ceramic stack is housed in a metal tubular drill collar segment. The electrodes are preferably alternatively connected to ground potential and driving potential. This alternating connection of electrodes to ground and driving potential subjects each disk to an equal electric field; and the direction of the field alternates to match the alternating direction of polarization of the ceramic disks. Preferably, a thin metal foil is sandwiched between electrodes to facilitate the electrical connection. Alternatively, a thicker metal spacer plate is selectively used in place of the metal foil in order to promote thermal cooling of the ceramic stack.

  3. Electromechanical transducer for acoustic telemetry system

    DOEpatents

    Drumheller, Douglas S.

    1993-01-01

    An improved electromechanical transducer is provided for use in an acoustic telemetry system. The transducer of this invention comprises a stack of ferroelectric ceramic disks interleaved with a plurality of spaced electrodes which are used to electrically pole the ceramic disks. The ceramic stack is housed in a metal tubular drill collar segment. The electrodes are preferably alternatively connected to ground potential and driving potential. This alternating connection of electrodes to ground and driving potential subjects each disk to an equal electric field; and the direction of the field alternates to match the alternating direction of polarization of the ceramic disks. Preferably, a thin metal foil is sandwiched between electrodes to facilitate the electrical connection. Alternatively, a thicker metal spacer plate is selectively used in place of the metal foil in order to promote thermal cooling of the ceramic stack.

  4. Electric fields in hippocampus due to transcranial focal electrical stimulation via concentric ring electrodes.

    PubMed

    Besio, Walter G; Hadidi, Ruba; Makeyev, Oleksandr; Luna-Munguía, Hiram; Rocha, Luisa

    2011-01-01

    As epilepsy affects approximately one percent of the world population, electrical stimulation of brain has recently shown potential as an additive seizure control therapy. In this study we applied focal transcranial electrical stimulation (TFS) on the surface of the skull of rats via concentric ring electrodes. We recorded electric potentials with a bipolar electrode consisting of two stainless steel wires implanted into the left ventral hippocampus. TFS current was gradually increased by 20% starting at 103 μA allowing us to assess the relationship between TFS current and both potentials recorded from the bipolar electrode and the resulting electric field. Generally, increases in TFS current resulted in increases in the electric field. This allows us to estimate what extra-cranial TFS current would be sufficient to cause the activation of neurons in the hippocampus.

  5. Initial experimental test of a helicon plasma based mass filter

    DOE PAGES

    Gueroult, R.; Evans, E. S.; Zweben, S. J.; ...

    2016-05-12

    High throughput plasma mass separation requires rotation control in a high density multi-species plasmas. A preliminary mass separation device based on a helicon plasma operating in gas mixtures and featuring concentric biasable ring electrodes is introduced. Plasma profile shows strong response to electrode biasing. In light of floating potential measurements, the density response is interpreted as the consequence of a reshaping of the radial electric field in the plasma. This field can be made confining or de-confining depending on the imposed potential at the electrodes, in a way which is consistent with single particle orbit radial stability. In conclusion, concurrentmore » spatially resolved spectroscopic measurements suggest ion separation, with heavy to light ion emission line ratio increasing with radius when a specific potential gradient is applied to the electrodes.« less

  6. Intraoperative laryngeal electromyography in children with vocal fold immobility: a simplified technique.

    PubMed

    Scott, Andrew R; Chong, Peter Siao Tick; Randolph, Gregory W; Hartnick, Christopher J

    2008-01-01

    The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a simplified technique for intraoperative laryngeal electromyography was feasible using standard nerve integrity monitoring electrodes and audiovisual digital recording equipment. Our secondary objective was to determine if laryngeal electromyography data provided any additional information that significantly influenced patient management. Between February 2006 and February 2007, 10 children referred to our institution with vocal fold immobility underwent intraoperative laryngeal electromyography of the thyroarytenoid muscles. A retrospective chart review of these 10 patients was performed after institutional review board approval. Standard nerve integrity monitoring electrodes can be used to perform intraoperative laryngeal electromyography of the thyroarytenoid muscles in children. In 5 of 10 cases reviewed, data from laryngeal electromyography recordings meaningfully influenced the care of children with vocal fold immobility and affected clinical decision-making, sometimes altering management strategies. In the remaining 5 children, data supported clinical impressions but did not alter treatment plans. Two children with idiopathic bilateral vocal fold paralysis initially presented with a lack of electrical activity on one or both sides but went on to develop motor unit action potentials that preceded recovery of motion in both vocal folds. Our findings suggest that standard nerve monitoring equipment can be used to perform intraoperative laryngeal electromyography and that electromyographic data can assist clinicians in the management of complex patients. Additionally, there may be a role for the use of serial intraoperative measurements in predicting recovery from vocal fold paralysis in the pediatric age group.

  7. Low-Pressure, Field-Ionizing Mass Spectrometer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hartley, Frank; Smith, Steven

    2009-01-01

    A small mass spectrometer utilizing a miniature field ionization source is now undergoing development. It is designed for use in a variety of applications in which there are requirements for a lightweight, low-power-consumption instrument that can analyze the masses of a wide variety of molecules and ions. The device can operate without need for a high-vacuum, carrier-gas feed radioactive ionizing source, or thermal ionizer. This mass spectrometer can operate either in the natural vacuum of outer space or on Earth at any ambient pressure below 50 torr (below about 6.7 kPa) - a partial vacuum that can easily be reached by use of a small sampling pump. This mass spectrometer also has a large dynamic range - from singly charged small gas ions to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments larger than 104 atomic mass units - with sensitivity adequate for detecting some molecules and ions at relative abundances of less than one part per billion. This instrument (see figure) includes a field ionizer integrated with a rotating-field mass spectrometer (RFMS). The field ionizer effects ionization of a type characterized as "soft" in the art because it does not fragment molecules or initiate avalanche arcing. What makes the "soft" ionization mode possible is that the distance between the ionizing electrodes is less than mean free path for ions at the maximum anticipated operating pressure, so that the ionizer always operates on the non-breakdown side of the applicable Paschen curve (a standard plot of breakdown potential on the ordinate and pressure electrode separation on the abscissa). The field ionizer in this instrument is fabricated by micromachining a submicron-thick membrane out of an electrically nonconductive substrate, coating the membrane on both sides to form electrodes, then micromachining small holes through the electrodes and membrane. Because of the submicron electrode separation, even a potential of only 1 V applied between the electrodes gives rise to an electric field with a strength of in excess of a megavolt per meter strong enough to ionize any gas molecules passing through the holes. An accelerator grid and an electrostatic deflector focus the ions from the field ionizer into the rotating-field cell of the RFMS. The potentials applied to the electrodes of the cell to generate the rotating electric field typically range from 1 to 13 V. The ions travel in well-defined helices within this cell, after which they are collected in a Faraday cup. The mass of most of the molecules reaching the Faraday cup decreases with increasing frequency of rotation of the electric field in the cell. Therefore, the frequency of rotation of the electric field is made to vary in order to scan through a desired range of ion masses: For example, lightweight gas molecules are scanned at frequencies in the megahertz range, while DNA and other large organic molecules are scanned at kilohertz frequencies.

  8. Self-Adhesive and Capacitive Carbon Nanotube-Based Electrode to Record Electroencephalograph Signals From the Hairy Scalp.

    PubMed

    Lee, Seung Min; Kim, Jeong Hun; Park, Cheolsoo; Hwang, Ji-Young; Hong, Joung Sook; Lee, Kwang Ho; Lee, Sang Hoon

    2016-01-01

    We fabricated a carbon nanotube (CNT)/adhesive polydimethylsiloxane (aPDMS) composite-based dry electroencephalograph (EEG) electrode for capacitive measuring of EEG signals. As research related to brain-computer interface applications has advanced, the presence of hairs on a patient's scalp has continued to present an obstacle to recorder EEG signals using dry electrodes. The CNT/aPDMS electrode developed here is elastic, highly conductive, self-adhesive, and capable of making conformal contact with and attaching to a hairy scalp. Onto the conductive disk, hundreds of conductive pillars coated with Parylene C insulation layer were fabricated. A CNT/aPDMS layer was attached on the disk to transmit biosignals to the pillar. The top of disk was designed to be solderable, which enables the electrode to connect with a variety of commercial EEG acquisition systems. The mechanical and electrical characteristics of the electrode were tested, and the performances of the electrodes were evaluated by recording EEGs, including alpha rhythms, auditory-evoked potentials, and steady-state visually-evoked potentials. The results revealed that the electrode provided a high signal-to-noise ratio with good tolerance for motion. Almost no leakage current was observed. Although preamplifiers with ultrahigh input impedance have been essential for previous capacitive electrodes, the EEGs were recorded here by directly connecting a commercially available EEG acquisition system to the electrode to yield high-quality signals comparable to those obtained using conventional wet electrodes.

  9. MATLAB Toolboxes for Reference Electrode Standardization Technique (REST) of Scalp EEG

    PubMed Central

    Dong, Li; Li, Fali; Liu, Qiang; Wen, Xin; Lai, Yongxiu; Xu, Peng; Yao, Dezhong

    2017-01-01

    Reference electrode standardization technique (REST) has been increasingly acknowledged and applied as a re-reference technique to transform an actual multi-channels recordings to approximately zero reference ones in electroencephalography/event-related potentials (EEG/ERPs) community around the world in recent years. However, a more easy-to-use toolbox for re-referencing scalp EEG data to zero reference is still lacking. Here, we have therefore developed two open-source MATLAB toolboxes for REST of scalp EEG. One version of REST is closely integrated into EEGLAB, which is a popular MATLAB toolbox for processing the EEG data; and another is a batch version to make it more convenient and efficient for experienced users. Both of them are designed to provide an easy-to-use for novice researchers and flexibility for experienced researchers. All versions of the REST toolboxes can be freely downloaded at http://www.neuro.uestc.edu.cn/rest/Down.html, and the detailed information including publications, comments and documents on REST can also be found from this website. An example of usage is given with comparative results of REST and average reference. We hope these user-friendly REST toolboxes could make the relatively novel technique of REST easier to study, especially for applications in various EEG studies. PMID:29163006

  10. MATLAB Toolboxes for Reference Electrode Standardization Technique (REST) of Scalp EEG.

    PubMed

    Dong, Li; Li, Fali; Liu, Qiang; Wen, Xin; Lai, Yongxiu; Xu, Peng; Yao, Dezhong

    2017-01-01

    Reference electrode standardization technique (REST) has been increasingly acknowledged and applied as a re-reference technique to transform an actual multi-channels recordings to approximately zero reference ones in electroencephalography/event-related potentials (EEG/ERPs) community around the world in recent years. However, a more easy-to-use toolbox for re-referencing scalp EEG data to zero reference is still lacking. Here, we have therefore developed two open-source MATLAB toolboxes for REST of scalp EEG. One version of REST is closely integrated into EEGLAB, which is a popular MATLAB toolbox for processing the EEG data; and another is a batch version to make it more convenient and efficient for experienced users. Both of them are designed to provide an easy-to-use for novice researchers and flexibility for experienced researchers. All versions of the REST toolboxes can be freely downloaded at http://www.neuro.uestc.edu.cn/rest/Down.html, and the detailed information including publications, comments and documents on REST can also be found from this website. An example of usage is given with comparative results of REST and average reference. We hope these user-friendly REST toolboxes could make the relatively novel technique of REST easier to study, especially for applications in various EEG studies.

  11. Preparation and characterization of graphene/turbostratic carbon derived from chitosan film for supercapacitor electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hanappi, M. F. Y. M.; Deraman, M.; Suleman, M.; Othman, M. A. R.; Basri, N. H.; Nor, N. S. M.; Hamdan, E.; Sazali, N. E. S.; Tajuddin, N. S. M.

    2018-04-01

    Electrochemical capacitors or supercapacitors are the potential energy storage devices which are known for having higher specific capacitance and specific energy than electrolytic capacitors. Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) also referred as ultracapacitors is a class of supercapacitors that employ different forms of carbon like activated carbon, CNT, graphene etc., as electrodes. The performance of the supercapacitors is determined by its components namely electrolyte, electrode, etc. Carbon electrodes with high surface area and desired pore size distribution are always preferred and which can be tailored by varying the precursor and method of preparation. In recent years, owing to their low cost, ease of synthesis, high stability and conductivity, the activated carbons derived from biomass precursors have been investigated as potential electrode material for the EDLCs. In this report, we present the preparation and characterization of graphene/turbostratic carbon monolith (CM) electrodes from the carbon grains (CGs) obtained by carbonization (under the flow of nitrogen, N2 gas and over a temperature range from 600 °C to 1000 °C) of biomass precursor chitosan film. The procedure to prepare the chitosan film is described elsewhere. The carbon grains are characterized using Raman spectroscopy (RS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). We expect that the CGs would have the similar characteristics as graphene and would be a potential electrode material for EDLCs application.

  12. Relationship between early and late stages of information processing: an event-related potential study

    PubMed Central

    Portella, Claudio; Machado, Sergio; Arias-Carrión, Oscar; Sack, Alexander T.; Silva, Julio Guilherme; Orsini, Marco; Leite, Marco Antonio Araujo; Silva, Adriana Cardoso; Nardi, Antonio E.; Cagy, Mauricio; Piedade, Roberto; Ribeiro, Pedro

    2012-01-01

    The brain is capable of elaborating and executing different stages of information processing. However, exactly how these stages are processed in the brain remains largely unknown. This study aimed to analyze the possible correlation between early and late stages of information processing by assessing the latency to, and amplitude of, early and late event-related potential (ERP) components, including P200, N200, premotor potential (PMP) and P300, in healthy participants in the context of a visual oddball paradigm. We found a moderate positive correlation among the latency of P200 (electrode O2), N200 (electrode O2), PMP (electrode C3), P300 (electrode PZ) and the reaction time (RT). In addition, moderate negative correlation between the amplitude of P200 and the latencies of N200 (electrode O2), PMP (electrode C3), P300 (electrode PZ) was found. Therefore, we propose that if the secondary processing of visual input (P200 latency) occurs faster, the following will also happen sooner: discrimination and classification process of this input (N200 latency), motor response processing (PMP latency), reorganization of attention and working memory update (P300 latency), and RT. N200, PMP, and P300 latencies are also anticipated when higher activation level of occipital areas involved in the secondary processing of visual input rise (P200 amplitude). PMID:23355929

  13. CHROMIUM ELECTROANALYSIS AT SCREEN PRINTED ELECTRODE MODIFIED BY THIN FILMS OF NICKEL

    EPA Science Inventory

    A rapid and potentially cost-effective electrochemical method is reported for analysis of chromium (VI) and Chromium(III) using a nickel modified screen printed carbon ink electrode. Electrochemical characteristics of nickel modified electrode as well voltammetric behavior f...

  14. EFFECTS OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON OF SAM-COATED ELECTRODES USING FERRYICYANIDE AS THE REDOX INDICATOR

    EPA Science Inventory

    Electrochemical responses on self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-coated polycrystalline gold electrodes were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry with a three electrode system. Experimental results show potential in the application of pyrene-imprinted SAM...

  15. Electrodeposition of hierarchically structured three-dimensional nickel–iron electrodes for efficient oxygen evolution at high current densities

    PubMed Central

    Lu, Xunyu; Zhao, Chuan

    2015-01-01

    Large-scale industrial application of electrolytic splitting of water has called for the development of oxygen evolution electrodes that are inexpensive, robust and can deliver large current density (>500 mA cm−2) at low applied potentials. Here we show that an efficient oxygen electrode can be developed by electrodepositing amorphous mesoporous nickel–iron composite nanosheets directly onto macroporous nickel foam substrates. The as-prepared oxygen electrode exhibits high catalytic activity towards water oxidation in alkaline solutions, which only requires an overpotential of 200 mV to initiate the reaction, and is capable of delivering current densities of 500 and 1,000 mA cm−2 at overpotentials of 240 and 270 mV, respectively. The electrode also shows prolonged stability against bulk water electrolysis at large current. Collectively, the as-prepared three-dimensional structured electrode is the most efficient oxygen evolution electrode in alkaline electrolytes reported to the best of our knowledge, and can potentially be applied for industrial scale water electrolysis. PMID:25776015

  16. Hyperthermia heating apparatus. [cancer therapy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gammell, P. M. (Inventor)

    1982-01-01

    Electromagnetic energy is delivered to a localized area of a patient's body in a hyperthermic treatment so that it provides a uniform distribution of electromagnetic flux lines within the localized area of the patient's body and produces a uniform and localized heating gradient. An electrode array includes a number of electrodes which are arranged in pair, with the electrodes in each pair being spaced a particular distance apart. The array is driven by a balanced line system which is electromagnetically coupled to each pair of electrodes and which is shielded by a ground coaxial shield which itself is ground to the body of the patient. Each electrode is embedded in a Teflon stand-off in order to move the region of strong field, from the body, produced by rapidly changing potentials. The two pairs of electrodes forming a cross-like geometry are used with the balanced line systems. The electrical power is either multiplexed among the electrodes or the second pair is driven by a potential which is sinusoidal and which is 90% out of phase with the first balanced line system which is also sinusoidal.

  17. Electrochemical Determination of Food Preservative Nitrite with Gold Nanoparticles/p-Aminothiophenol-Modified Gold Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Üzer, Ayşem; Sağlam, Şener; Can, Ziya; Erçağ, Erol; Apak, Reşat

    2016-01-01

    Due to the negative impact of nitrate and nitrite on human health, their presence exceeding acceptable levels is not desired in foodstuffs. Thus, nitrite determination at low concentrations is a major challenge in electroanalytical chemistry, which can be achieved by fast, cheap, and safe electrochemical sensors. In this work, the working electrode (Au) was functionalized with p-aminothiophenol (p-ATP) and modified with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) to manufacture the final (Au/p-ATP-Aunano) electrode in a two-step procedure. In the first step, p-ATP was electropolymerized on the electrode surface to obtain a polyaminothiophenol (PATP) coating. In the second step, Au/p-ATP-Aunano working electrode was prepared by coating the surface with the use of HAuCl4 solution and cyclic voltammetry. Determination of aqueous nitrite samples was performed with the proposed electrode (Au/p-ATP-Aunano) using square wave voltammetry (SWV) in pH 4 buffer medium. Characteristic peak potential of nitrite samples was 0.76 V, and linear calibration curves of current intensity versus concentration was linear in the range of 0.5–50 mg·L−1 nitrite with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.12 mg·L−1. Alternatively, nitrite in sausage samples could be colorimetrically determined with high sensitivity by means of p-ATP‒modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and naphthylethylene diamine as coupling agents for azo-dye formation due to enhanced charge-transfer interactions with the AuNPs surface. The slopes of the calibration lines in pure NO2− solution and in sausage sample solution, to which different concentrations of NO2− standards were added, were not significantly different from each other, confirming the robustness and interference tolerance of the method. The proposed voltammetric sensing method was validated against the colorimetric nanosensing method in sausage samples. PMID:27490543

  18. Fabrication Method for Laboratory-Scale High-Performance Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Fuel Cells.

    PubMed

    Sassin, Megan B; Garsany, Yannick; Gould, Benjamin D; Swider-Lyons, Karen E

    2017-01-03

    Custom catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are necessary for the evaluation of advanced electrocatalysts, gas diffusion media (GDM), ionomers, polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs), and electrode structures designed for use in next-generation fuel cells, electrolyzers, or flow batteries. This Feature provides a reliable and reproducible fabrication protocol for laboratory scale (10 cm 2 ) fuel cells based on ultrasonic spray deposition of a standard Pt/carbon electrocatalyst directly onto a perfluorosulfonic acid PEM.

  19. Phased charging and discharging in capacitive desalinatio

    DOEpatents

    Stadermann, Michael; Qu, Yatian; Santiago, Juan G.; Hemmatifar, Ali

    2017-09-12

    A system combines complete, ultra-thin cells into a monolithic and robust framework necessary for desalination applications which yields orders of magnitude faster desalination. The electrode pairs are located so that a flow of feed water flows through or around the electrode pairs with the flow perpendicular to sequentially applied electric potentials. The system is controlled to charge the series of electrode pairs sequentially or phased. That means the charging of the second electrode pair is delayed with regard to the charging of the first electrode pair and the charging of a third electrode pair is delayed with respect to the charging of the second electrode pair.

  20. Bifunctional alkaline oxygen electrodes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Swette, L.; Kackley, N.; Mccatty, S. A.

    1991-01-01

    The authors describe the identification and testing of electrocatalysts and supports for the positive electrode of moderate-temperature, single-unit, rechargeable alkaline fuel cells. Recent work on Na(x)Pt3O4, a potential bifunctional catalyst, is described, as well as the application of novel approaches to the development of more efficient bifunctional electrode structures. The three dual-character electrodes considered here showed similar superior performance; the Pt/RhO2 and Rh/RhO2 electrodes showed slightly better performance than the Pt/IrO2 electrode. It is concluded that Na(x)Pt3O4 continues to be a promising bifunctional oxygen electrode catalyst but requires further investigation and development.

  1. Evaluation of molecular dynamics simulation methods for ionic liquid electric double layers.

    PubMed

    Haskins, Justin B; Lawson, John W

    2016-05-14

    We investigate how systematically increasing the accuracy of various molecular dynamics modeling techniques influences the structure and capacitance of ionic liquid electric double layers (EDLs). The techniques probed concern long-range electrostatic interactions, electrode charging (constant charge versus constant potential conditions), and electrolyte polarizability. Our simulations are performed on a quasi-two-dimensional, or slab-like, model capacitor, which is composed of a polarizable ionic liquid electrolyte, [EMIM][BF4], interfaced between two graphite electrodes. To ensure an accurate representation of EDL differential capacitance, we derive new fluctuation formulas that resolve the differential capacitance as a function of electrode charge or electrode potential. The magnitude of differential capacitance shows sensitivity to different long-range electrostatic summation techniques, while the shape of differential capacitance is affected by charging technique and the polarizability of the electrolyte. For long-range summation techniques, errors in magnitude can be mitigated by employing two-dimensional or corrected three dimensional electrostatic summations, which led to electric fields that conform to those of a classical electrostatic parallel plate capacitor. With respect to charging, the changes in shape are a result of ions in the Stern layer (i.e., ions at the electrode surface) having a higher electrostatic affinity to constant potential electrodes than to constant charge electrodes. For electrolyte polarizability, shape changes originate from induced dipoles that soften the interaction of Stern layer ions with the electrode. The softening is traced to ion correlations vertical to the electrode surface that induce dipoles that oppose double layer formation. In general, our analysis indicates an accuracy dependent differential capacitance profile that transitions from the characteristic camel shape with coarser representations to a more diffuse profile with finer representations.

  2. 21 CFR 898.12 - Performance standard.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Performance standard. 898.12 Section 898.12 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR ELECTRODE LEAD WIRES AND PATIENT CABLES § 898.12 Performance standard. (a...

  3. 21 CFR 898.12 - Performance standard.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Performance standard. 898.12 Section 898.12 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR ELECTRODE LEAD WIRES AND PATIENT CABLES § 898.12 Performance standard. (a...

  4. 21 CFR 898.12 - Performance standard.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Performance standard. 898.12 Section 898.12 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR ELECTRODE LEAD WIRES AND PATIENT CABLES § 898.12 Performance standard. (a...

  5. 21 CFR 898.12 - Performance standard.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Performance standard. 898.12 Section 898.12 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR ELECTRODE LEAD WIRES AND PATIENT CABLES § 898.12 Performance standard. (a...

  6. 21 CFR 898.12 - Performance standard.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Performance standard. 898.12 Section 898.12 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR ELECTRODE LEAD WIRES AND PATIENT CABLES § 898.12 Performance standard. (a...

  7. 3D Printed Dry EEG Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Krachunov, Sammy; Casson, Alexander J.

    2016-01-01

    Electroencephalography (EEG) is a procedure that records brain activity in a non-invasive manner. The cost and size of EEG devices has decreased in recent years, facilitating a growing interest in wearable EEG that can be used out-of-the-lab for a wide range of applications, from epilepsy diagnosis, to stroke rehabilitation, to Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). A major obstacle for these emerging applications is the wet electrodes, which are used as part of the EEG setup. These electrodes are attached to the human scalp using a conductive gel, which can be uncomfortable to the subject, causes skin irritation, and some gels have poor long-term stability. A solution to this problem is to use dry electrodes, which do not require conductive gel, but tend to have a higher noise floor. This paper presents a novel methodology for the design and manufacture of such dry electrodes. We manufacture the electrodes using low cost desktop 3D printers and off-the-shelf components for the first time. This allows quick and inexpensive electrode manufacturing and opens the possibility of creating electrodes that are customized for each individual user. Our 3D printed electrodes are compared against standard wet electrodes, and the performance of the proposed electrodes is suitable for BCI applications, despite the presence of additional noise. PMID:27706094

  8. 3D Printed Dry EEG Electrodes.

    PubMed

    Krachunov, Sammy; Casson, Alexander J

    2016-10-02

    Electroencephalography (EEG) is a procedure that records brain activity in a non-invasive manner. The cost and size of EEG devices has decreased in recent years, facilitating a growing interest in wearable EEG that can be used out-of-the-lab for a wide range of applications, from epilepsy diagnosis, to stroke rehabilitation, to Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). A major obstacle for these emerging applications is the wet electrodes, which are used as part of the EEG setup. These electrodes are attached to the human scalp using a conductive gel, which can be uncomfortable to the subject, causes skin irritation, and some gels have poor long-term stability. A solution to this problem is to use dry electrodes, which do not require conductive gel, but tend to have a higher noise floor. This paper presents a novel methodology for the design and manufacture of such dry electrodes. We manufacture the electrodes using low cost desktop 3D printers and off-the-shelf components for the first time. This allows quick and inexpensive electrode manufacturing and opens the possibility of creating electrodes that are customized for each individual user. Our 3D printed electrodes are compared against standard wet electrodes, and the performance of the proposed electrodes is suitable for BCI applications, despite the presence of additional noise.

  9. Minimally-Invasive, Image-Guided Cochlear Implantation Surgery: First report of clinical implementation

    PubMed Central

    Labadie, Robert F; Balachandran, Ramya; Noble, Jack H; Blachon, Grégoire S; Mitchell, Jason E; Reda, Fitsum A; Dawant, Benoit M; Fitzpatrick, J Michael

    2015-01-01

    OBJECTIVE Minimally-invasive image-guided approach to cochlear implantation (CI) involves drilling a narrow, linear tunnel to the cochlea. Reported herein is the first clinical implementation of this approach. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, cohort study. METHODS On preoperative CT, a safe linear trajectory through the facial recess targeting the scala tympani was planned. Intraoperatively, fiducial markers were bone-implanted, a second CT was acquired, and the trajectory was transferred from preoperative to intraoperative CT. A customized microstereotactic frame was rapidly designed and constructed to constrain a surgical drill along the desired trajectory. Following sterilization, the frame was employed to drill the tunnel to the middle ear. After lifting a tympanomeatal flap and performing a cochleostomy, the electrode array was threaded through the drilled tunnel and into the cochlea. RESULTS Eight of nine patients were successfully implanted using the proposed approach with six insertions completely within scala tympani. Traditional mastoidectomy was performed on one patient following difficulty threading the electrode array via the narrow tunnel. Other difficulties encountered included use of the back-up implant when an electrode was dislodged during threading via the tunnel, tip fold-over, and facial nerve paresis (House-Brackmann II/VII at 12 months) secondary to heat during drilling. Average time of intervention was 182±36 minutes. CONCLUSION Minimally-invasive, image-guided CI is clinically achievable. Further clinical study is necessary to address technological difficulties during drilling and insertion and to assess potential benefits including decreased time of intervention, standardization of surgical intervention, and decreased tissue dissection potentially leading to shorter recovery and earlier implant activation. PMID:24272427

  10. Particle-in-cell study of the ion-to-electron sheath transition

    DOE PAGES

    Scheiner, Brett; Baalrud, Scott D.; Hopkins, Matthew M.; ...

    2016-08-09

    The form of a sheath near a small electrode, with bias changing from below to above the plasma potential, is studied using 2D particle-in-cell simulations. When the electrode is biased within T e/2 e below the plasma potential, the electron velocity distribution functions (EVDFs) exhibit a loss-cone type truncation due to fast electrons overcoming the small potential difference between the electrode and plasma. No sheath is present in this regime, and the plasma remains quasineutral up to the electrode. The EVDF truncation leads to a presheath-like density and flow velocity gradients. Once the bias exceeds the plasma potential, an electronmore » sheath is present. In this case, the truncation driven behavior persists, but is accompanied by a shift in the maximum value of the EVDF that is not present in the negative bias cases. In conclusion, the flow moment has significant contributions from both the flow shift of the EVDF maximum, and the loss-cone truncation.« less

  11. Determination of set potential voltages for cucumber mosaic virus detection using screen printed carbon electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uda, M. N. A.; Hasfalina, C. M.; Samsuzana, A. A.; Faridah, S.; Rafidah A., R.; Hashim, U.; Ariffin, Shahrul A. B.; Gopinath, Subash C. B.

    2017-03-01

    Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) is a most dangerous pathogen among the cucurbit plant which it striking cucumbers, zucchinis, squashes, watermelons but it also striking to non-cucurbit such as peppers, tobaccos, celeries, beans and tomatoes. Symptoms shown by this virus when they starting to strike are very significant and at the end can kill the hosts they infected. In order to detect these viruses, biosensor such as screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) is developed and fixes a set potential voltage is defined using Chronoamperometry (CM) immunosensor technique. For short introduction, CM is a process which is a constant applied potential voltage between the working and reference electrode is maintained in order to create an electrons transfer for the oxidation or reduction species taking place at the surface of working electrode is measured and in this manuscript, complete details about measurement were used to finding the stable set potential voltages will be pointed out.

  12. In situ spectroscopic monitoring of CO2 reduction at copper oxide electrode.

    PubMed

    Wang, Liying; Gupta, Kalyani; Goodall, Josephine B M; Darr, Jawwad A; Holt, Katherine B

    2017-04-28

    Copper oxide modified electrodes were investigated as a function of applied electrode potential using in situ infrared spectroscopy and ex situ Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In deoxygenated KHCO 3 electrolyte bicarbonate and carbonate species were found to adsorb to the electrode during reduction and the CuO was reduced to Cu(i) or Cu(0) species. Carbonate was incorporated into the structure and the CuO starting material was not regenerated on cycling to positive potentials. In contrast, in CO 2 saturated KHCO 3 solution, surface adsorption of bicarbonate and carbonate was not observed and adsorption of a carbonato-species was observed with in situ infrared spectroscopy. This species is believed to be activated, bent CO 2 . On cycling to negative potentials, larger reduction currents were observed in the presence of CO 2 ; however, less of the charge could be attributed to the reduction of CuO. In the presence of CO 2 CuO underwent reduction to Cu 2 O and potentially Cu, with no incorporation of carbonate. Under these conditions the CuO starting material could be regenerated by cycling to positive potentials.

  13. Faraday efficiency and mechanism of electrochemical surface reactions: CO2 reduction and H2 formation on Pt(111).

    PubMed

    Hussain, Javed; Jónsson, Hannes; Skúlason, Egill

    2016-12-22

    An atomic scale model of the electrical double layer is used to calculate the mechanism and rate of electrochemical reduction of CO 2 as well as H 2 formation at a Pt(111) electrode. The water layer contains solvated protons and the electrode has excess electrons at the surface. Density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation is used to describe the electronic structure while the mechanism and activation energy of the various elementary reactions is obtained by calculating minimum energy paths using the nudged elastic band method. The applied electrical potential is deduced from the calculated work function. The optimal reaction mechanism for CO 2 reduction to either methane or methanol is found and the estimated rate compared with that of the competing reaction, H 2 formation. When the free energy of only the intermediates and reactants is taken into account, not the activation energy, Pt(111) would seem to be a good electrocatalyst for CO 2 reduction, significantly better than Cu(111). This, however, contradicts experimental findings. Detailed calculations reported here show that the activation energy for CO 2 reduction is high for both Heyrovsky and Tafel mechanisms on Pt(111) in the relevant range of applied potential. The rate-limiting step of the Heyrovsky mechanism, *COOH + H + + e - → *CO + H 2 O, is estimated to have an activation energy of 0.95 eV at -0.9 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode. Under the same conditions, the activation energy for H 2 formation is estimated to be only 0.5 eV. This explains why attempts to reduce CO 2 using platinum electrodes have produced only H 2 . A comparison is made with analogous results for Cu(111) [J. Hussain et al., Procedia Comput. Sci., 2015, 51, 1865] where a reaction mechanism with low activation energy for CO 2 electroreduction to methane was identified. The difference between the two electrocatalysts is discussed.

  14. Electrodes for solid state gas sensor

    DOEpatents

    Mukundan, Rangachary [Santa Fe, NM; Brosha, Eric L [Los Alamos, NM; Garzon, Fernando [Santa Fe, NM

    2007-05-08

    A mixed potential electrochemical sensor for the detection of gases has a ceria-based electrolyte with a surface for exposing to the gases to be detected, and with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode extending through the surface and fixed within the electrolyte as the electrolyte is compressed and sintered. The electrochemical sensor is formed by placing a wire reference electrode and a wire sensing electrode in a die, where each electrode has a first compressed planar section and a second section depending from the first section with the second section of each electrode extending axially within the die. The die is filled with an oxide-electrolyte powder and the powder is pressed within the die with the wire electrodes. The wire-electrodes and the pressed oxide-electrolyte powder are sintered to form a ceramic electrolyte base with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode depending therefrom.

  15. Electrodes for solid state gas sensor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mukundan, Rangachary; Brosha, Eric L; Garzon, Fernando

    2007-05-08

    A mixed potential electrochemical sensor for the detection of gases has a ceria-based electrolyte with a surface for exposing to the gases to be detected, and with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode extending through the surface and fixed within the electrolyte as the electrolyte is compressed and sintered. The electrochemical sensor is formed by placing a wire reference electrode and a wire sensing electrode in a die, where each electrode has a first compressed planar section and a second section depending from the first section with the second section of each electrode extending axially within themore » die. The die is filled with an oxide-electrolyte powder and the powder is pressed within the die with the wire electrodes. The wire-electrodes and the pressed oxide-electrolyte powder are sintered to form a ceramic electrolyte base with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode depending therefrom.« less

  16. Electrodes for solid state gas sensor

    DOEpatents

    Mukundan, Rangachary; Brosha, Eric L.; Garzon, Fernando

    2003-08-12

    A mixed potential electrochemical sensor for the detection of gases has a ceria-based electrolyte with a surface for exposing to the gases to be detected, and with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode extending through the surface and fixed within the electrolyte as the electrolyte is compressed and sintered. The electrochemical sensor is formed by placing a wire reference electrode and a wire sensing electrode in a die, where each electrode has a first compressed planar section and a second section depending from the first section with the second section of each electrode extending axially within the die. The die is filled with an oxide-electrolyte powder and the powder is pressed within the die with the wire electrodes. The wire-electrodes and the pressed oxide-electrolyte powder are sintered to form a ceramic electrolyte base with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode depending therefrom.

  17. Use of a single bipolar electrode in the posterior arytenoid muscles for bilateral monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerves in thyroid surgery.

    PubMed

    Haerle, Stephan; Sidler, D; Linder, Th; Mueller, W

    2008-12-01

    The aims were to assess the technical feasibility of using a single electrode in the posterior arytenoid muscles (PAM) for intraoperative monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in thyroid surgery, to validate the new method against the insertion of electrodes placed in the vocal cord muscle, and to report the results of the clinical application of the new concept. A total of 52 patients were enrolled. The handling and safety of RLN monitoring was tested by simultaneous registration of the EMG response from vocal fold electrodes and PAM electrodes. Acoustically and electromyographically we found nearly the same values for the arytenoid muscles as for the vocal folds, although the signals taken from the vocal folds were slightly stronger. PAM recording using a single bipolar electrode is technically feasible and as reliable compared to the standard vocal cord monitoring.

  18. Pd nanoparticle-modified electrodes for nonenzymatic hydrogen peroxide detection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Jue; Chen, Xue-jiao; Liao, Kai-ming; Wang, Guang-hou; Han, Min

    2015-08-01

    A hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor based on Pd nanoparticles (NPs) and glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) is fabricated. Pd NPs are deposited on GCEs by using a gas phase cluster beam deposition technique. The NP-deposited electrodes show enhanced electrocatalytic activity in reduction of H2O2. The electrode with an optimized NP coverage of 85 % has a high selective and stable nonenzymatic sensing ability of H2O2 with a low detection limit (3.4 × 10-7 M), high sensitivity (50.9 μA mM-1), and a wide linear range (from 1.0 × 10-6 to 6.0 × 10-3 M). The reduction peak potential of the electrode is close to -0.12 V, which enables high selective amperometric detection of H2O2 at a low applied potential.

  19. Method for forming a potential hydrocarbon sensor with low sensitivity to methane and CO

    DOEpatents

    Mukundan, Rangachary; Brosha, Eric L.; Garzon, Fernando

    2003-12-02

    A hydrocarbon sensor is formed with an electrolyte body having a first electrolyte surface with a reference electrode depending therefrom and a metal oxide electrode body contained within the electrolyte body and having a first electrode surface coplanar with the first electrolyte surface. The sensor was formed by forming a sintered metal-oxide electrode body and placing the metal-oxide electrode body within an electrolyte powder. The electrolyte powder with the metal-oxide electrode body was pressed to form a pressed electrolyte body containing the metal-oxide electrode body. The electrolyte was removed from an electrolyte surface above the metal-oxide electrode body to expose a metal-oxide electrode surface that is coplanar with the electrolyte surface. The electrolyte body and the metal-oxide electrode body were then sintered to form the hydrocarbon sensor.

  20. Indium-free organic thin-film solar cells using a plasmonic electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takatori, Kentaro; Nishino, Takayuki; Okamoto, Takayuki; Takei, Hiroyuki; Ishibashi, Koji; Micheletto, Ruggero

    2016-05-01

    We propose a new kind of organic solar cell (OSC) that substitutes the standard indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode with a silver layer with randomly arranged circular nanoholes (plasmonic electrode). The quasi-random structure in the silver layer efficiently converts wideband incident light into surface plasmon polaritons propagating along the surface of the silver film. In this way, the converted surface plasmon polaritons enhance light absorption in the active layer. We describe in detail the fabrication process we used and we give a thorough report of the resulting optical characteristics and performances. Although the transmittance of the plasmonic electrode is approximately one-third of that of the ITO electrodes, the power conversion efficiency of the OSCs with our plasmonic electrode is comparable to that of conventional inverted solar cells using ITO electrodes. Moreover, the obtained incident photon to current efficiency was better than that of the inverted solar cells in the wavelength regions around 400 nm and over 620 nm.

  1. In vitro bactericidal effect of a modified thermal Nitinol electrode.

    PubMed

    Liatsikos, E N; Dinlenc, C Z; Kapoor, R; Fogarty, J; Bernardo, N O; Isenberg, H D; Smith, A D

    2001-04-01

    A standard electrode surgical generator connected to a Nitinol coil was used in vitro to evaluate whether the generated electromagnetic energy had any bactericidal effect on Escherichia coli. The ATCC 259222 E. coli strain was used. We mixed 135 mL of a 1.5% non-nutritive agar with 15 mL of a 10(6) CFU/mL inoculum and transferred it to gas-sterilized plastic containers lined with aluminium foil. A 22F cylindrical shape was cut from the center of the agar, and a Nitinol coil was placed in that space and connected to a standard electrode surgical generator. Electrical energy was then applied from 5 to 25 V at 5-V increments. Temperatures were measured with two thermocouples placed in the middle and periphery of each agar. The treatment was stopped when the temperature at the middle thermometer reached 50 degrees C. The control group was not treated and was embedded in a water bath at 45 degrees C. Three 3 x 7-mm pieces were sliced from the inner to the outer part of the agar and processed, and colony counts were performed. We observed statistically significant deleterious effects on E. coli in all three zones when the treatment voltage was 15 and 20. When the potential was raised to 25 V, we observed a significant result only in the core zone. The treatment duration was 50 minutes for 5 and 10 V, 45 minutes for 15 V, 15 minutes for 20 V, and 10 minutes for 25 V. The bactericidal effect was mainly in the central area, decreasing linearly toward the periphery, and was related to the temperature reached during activation of the electrical generator. These results were disappointing with regard to the utility of Nitinol stents to treat bacterial prostatitis.

  2. Catalyst surfaces for the chromous/chromic redox couple

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Giner, J. D.; Cahill, K. J. (Inventor)

    1980-01-01

    An electricity producing cell of the reduction-oxidation (REDOX) type is described. The cell is divided into two compartments by a membrane, each compartment containing a solid inert electrode. A ferrous/ferric couple in a chloride solution serves as a cathode fluid which is circulated through one of the compartments to produce a positive electric potential disposed therein. A chromic/chromous couple in a chloride solution serves as an anode fluid which is circulated through the second compartment to produce a negative potential on an electrode disposed therein. The electrode is an electrically conductive, inert material plated with copper, silver or gold. A thin layer of lead plates onto the copper, silver or gold layer when the cell is being charged, the lead ions being available from lead chloride which was added to the anode fluid. If the REDOX cell is then discharged, the current flows between the electrodes causing the lead to deplate from the negative electrode and the metal coating on the electrode will act as a catalyst to cause increased current density.

  3. An unusual complication of invasive video-EEG monitoring: subelectrode hematoma without subdural component: case report.

    PubMed

    Bozkurt, Gokhan; Ayhan, Selim; Dericioglu, Nese; Saygi, Serap; Akalan, Nejat

    2010-08-01

    The potential complications of the subdural electrode implantation providing identification of the seizure focus and direct stimulation of the cerebral cortex for defining the eloquent cortical areas are epidural and subdural hematoma, cortical contusions, infection, brain edema, raised intracranial pressure, CSF leakage, and venous infarction have been previously reported in the literature. To present the first case of subelectrode hematoma without subdural component that was detected during invasive EEG monitoring after subdural electrode implantation. A 19-year-old female with drug resistant seizures was decided to undergo invasive monitoring with subdural electrodes. While good quality recordings had been initially obtained from all electrodes placed on the right parietal convexity, no cerebral cortical activity could be obtained from one electrode 2 days after the first operation. Explorative surgery revealed a circumscribed subelectrode hematoma without a subdural component. Awareness of the potential complications of subdural electrode implantation and close follow-up of the clinical findings of the patient are of highest value for early detection and successful management.

  4. Multi-functional sensor system for molten salt technologies

    DOEpatents

    Redey, Laszlo [Downers Grove, IL; Gourishankar, Karthick [Downers Grove, IL; Williamson, Mark A [Naperville, IL

    2009-12-15

    The present invention relates to a multi-functional sensor system that simultaneously measures cathode and anode electrode potentials, dissolved ion (i.e. oxide) concentration, and temperatures in an electrochemical cell. One embodiment of the invented system generally comprises: a reference(saturated) electrode, a reference(sensing) electrode, and a data acquisition system. Thermocouples are built into the two reference electrodes to provide important temperature information.

  5. Electrically conductive polycrystalline diamond and particulate metal based electrodes

    DOEpatents

    Swain, Greg M.; Wang, Jian

    2005-04-26

    An electrically conducting and dimensionally stable diamond (12, 14) and metal particle (13) electrode produced by electrodepositing the metal on the diamond is described. The electrode is particularly useful in harsh chemical environments and at high current densities and potentials. The electrode is particularly useful for generating hydrogen, and for reducing oxygen and oxidizing methanol in reactions which are of importance in fuel cells.

  6. Characterization of reaction kinetics in a porous electrode

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fedkiw, Peter S.

    1990-01-01

    A continuum-model approach, analogous to porous electrode theory, was applied to a thin-layer cell of rectangular and cylindrical geometry. A reversible redox couple is assumed, and the local reaction current density is related to the potential through the formula of Hubbard and Anson for a uniformily accessible thin-layer cell. The placement of the reference electrode is also accounted for in the analysis. Primary emphasis is placed on the effect of the solution-phase ohmic potential drop on the voltammogram characteristics. Correlation equations for the peak-potential displacement from E(sup 0 prime) and the peak current are presented in terms of two dimensionless parameters.

  7. Marcus-Hush-Chidsey theory of electron transfer to and from species bound at a non-uniform electrode surface: Theory and experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Henstridge, Martin C.; Batchelor-McAuley, Christopher; Gusmão, Rui; Compton, Richard G.

    2011-11-01

    Two simple models of electrode surface inhomogeneity based on Marcus-Hush theory are considered; a distribution in formal potentials and a distribution in electron tunnelling distances. Cyclic voltammetry simulated using these models is compared with that simulated using Marcus-Hush theory for a flat, uniform and homogeneous electrode surface, with the two models of surface inhomogeneity yielding broadened peaks with decreased peak-currents. An edge-plane pyrolytic graphite electrode is covalently modified with ferrocene via 'click' chemistry and the resulting voltammetry compared with each of the three previously considered models. The distribution of formal potentials is seen to fit the experimental data most closely.

  8. Nano-machining of biosensor electrodes through gold nanoparticles deposition produced by femtosecond laser ablation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Della Ventura, B.; Funari, R.; Anoop, K. K.; Amoruso, S.; Ausanio, G.; Gesuele, F.; Velotta, R.; Altucci, C.

    2015-06-01

    We report an application of femtosecond laser ablation to improve the sensitivity of biosensors based on a quartz crystal microbalance device. The nanoparticles produced by irradiating a gold target with 527-nm, 300-fs laser pulses, in high vacuum, are directly deposited on the quartz crystal microbalance electrode. Different gold electrodes are fabricated by varying the deposition time, thus addressing how the nanoparticles surface coverage influences the sensor response. The modified biosensor is tested by weighting immobilized IgG antibody from goat and its analyte (IgG from mouse), and the results are compared with a standard electrode. A substantial increase of biosensor sensitivity is achieved, thus demonstrating that femtosecond laser ablation and deposition is a viable physical method to improve the biosensor sensitivity by means of nanostructured electrodes.

  9. Scalable Nanostructured Carbon Electrode Arrays for Enhanced Dopamine Detection.

    PubMed

    Demuru, Silvia; Nela, Luca; Marchack, Nathan; Holmes, Steven J; Farmer, Damon B; Tulevski, George S; Lin, Qinghuang; Deligianni, Hariklia

    2018-04-27

    Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that modulates arousal and motivation in humans and animals. It plays a central role in the brain "reward" system. Its dysregulation is involved in several debilitating disorders such as addiction, depression, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. Dopamine neurotransmission and its reuptake in extracellular space takes place with millisecond temporal and nanometer spatial resolution. Novel nanoscale electrodes are needed with superior sensitivity and improved spatial resolution to gain an improved understanding of dopamine dysregulation. We report on a scalable fabrication of dopamine neurochemical probes of a nanostructured glassy carbon that is smaller than any existing dopamine sensor and arrays of more than 6000 nanorod probes. We also report on the electrochemical dopamine sensing of the glassy carbon nanorod electrode. Compared with a carbon fiber, the nanostructured glassy carbon nanorods provide about 2× higher sensitivity per unit area for dopamine sensing and more than 5× higher signal per unit area at low concentration of dopamine, with comparable LOD and time response. These glassy carbon nanorods were fabricated by pyrolysis of a lithographically defined polymeric nanostructure with an industry standard semiconductor fabrication infrastructure. The scalable fabrication strategy offers the potential to integrate these nanoscale carbon rods with an integrated circuit control system and with other complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible sensors.

  10. Demonstration of an electrochemical liquid cell for operando transmission electron microscopy observation of the lithiation/delithiation behavior of Si nanowire battery anodes.

    PubMed

    Gu, Meng; Parent, Lucas R; Mehdi, B Layla; Unocic, Raymond R; McDowell, Matthew T; Sacci, Robert L; Xu, Wu; Connell, Justin Grant; Xu, Pinghong; Abellan, Patricia; Chen, Xilin; Zhang, Yaohui; Perea, Daniel E; Evans, James E; Lauhon, Lincoln J; Zhang, Ji-Guang; Liu, Jun; Browning, Nigel D; Cui, Yi; Arslan, Ilke; Wang, Chong-Min

    2013-01-01

    Over the past few years, in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of lithium ion batteries using an open-cell configuration have helped us to gain fundamental insights into the structural and chemical evolution of the electrode materials in real time. In the standard open-cell configuration, the electrolyte is either solid lithium oxide or an ionic liquid, which is point-contacted with the electrode. This cell design is inherently different from a real battery, where liquid electrolyte forms conformal contact with electrode materials. The knowledge learnt from open cells can deviate significantly from the real battery, calling for operando TEM technique with conformal liquid electrolyte contact. In this paper, we developed an operando TEM electrochemical liquid cell to meet this need, providing the configuration of a real battery and in a relevant liquid electrolyte. To demonstrate this novel technique, we studied the lithiation/delithiation behavior of single Si nanowires. Some of lithiation/delithation behaviors of Si obtained using the liquid cell are consistent with the results from the open-cell studies. However, we also discovered new insights different from the open cell configuration-the dynamics of the electrolyte and, potentially, a future quantitative characterization of the solid electrolyte interphase layer formation and structural and chemical evolution.

  11. Laser Ablation Electrodynamic Ion Funnel for In Situ Mass Spectrometry on Mars

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, Paul V.; Hodyss, Robert P.; Tang, Keqi; Smith, Richard D.

    2012-01-01

    A front-end instrument, the laser ablation ion funnel, was developed, which would ionize rock and soil samples in the ambient Martian atmosphere, and efficiently transport the product ions into a mass spectrometer for in situ analysis. Laser ablation creates elemental ions from a solid with a high-power pulse within ambient Mars atmospheric conditions. Ions are captured and focused with an ion funnel into a mass spectrometer for analysis. The electrodynamic ion funnel consists of a series of axially concentric ring-shaped electrodes whose inside diameters (IDs) decrease over the length of the funnel. DC potentials are applied to each electrode, producing a smooth potential slope along the axial direction. Two radio-frequency (RF) AC potentials, equal in amplitude and 180 out of phase, are applied alternately to the ring electrodes. This creates an effective potential barrier along the inner surface of the electrode stack. Ions entering the funnel drift axially under the influence of the DC potential while being restricted radially by the effective potential barrier created by the applied RF. The net result is to effectively focus the ions as they traverse the length of the funnel.

  12. Stable electrolyte for high voltage electrochemical double-layer capacitors

    DOE PAGES

    Ruther, Rose E.; Sun, Che -Nan; Holliday, Adam; ...

    2016-12-28

    A simple electrolyte consisting of NaPF 6 salt in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) can extend the voltage window of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) to >3.5 V. DME does not passivate carbon electrodes at very negative potentials (near Na/Na +), extending the practical voltage window by about 1.0 V compared to standard, non-aqueous electrolytes based on acetonitrile. The voltage window is demonstrated in two- and three-electrode cells using a combination of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), charge-discharge cycling, and measurements of leakage current. DME-based electrolytes cannot match the high conductivity of acetonitrile solutions, but they can satisfy applications that demand high energy density atmore » moderate power. The conductivity of NaPF 6 in DME is comparable to commercial lithium-ion battery electrolytes and superior to most ionic liquids. Lastly, factors that limit the voltage window and EDLC energy density are discussed, and strategies to further boost energy density are proposed.« less

  13. Quantification of ethanol in plasma by electrochemical detection with an unmodified screen printed carbon electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tian, Gang; Zhang, Xiao-Qing; Zhu, Ming-Song; Zhang, Zhong; Shi, Zheng-Hu; Ding, Min

    2016-03-01

    Simple, rapid and accurate detection of ethanol concentration in blood is very crucial in the diagnosis and management of potential acute ethanol intoxication patients. A novel electrochemical detection method was developed for the quantification of ethanol in human plasma with disposable unmodified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) without sample preparation procedure. Ethanol was detected indirectly by the reaction product of ethanol dehydrogenase (ADH) and cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Method validation indicated good quantitation precisions with intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations of ≤9.4% and 8.0%, respectively. Ethanol concentration in plasma is linear ranging from 0.10 to 3.20 mg/mL, and the detection limit is 40.0 μg/mL (S/N > 3). The method shows satisfactory correlation with the reference method of headspace gas chromatography in twenty human plasma samples (correlation coefficient 0.9311). The proposed method could be applied to diagnose acute ethanol toxicity or ethanol-related death.

  14. A Fully Automated Approach to Spike Sorting.

    PubMed

    Chung, Jason E; Magland, Jeremy F; Barnett, Alex H; Tolosa, Vanessa M; Tooker, Angela C; Lee, Kye Y; Shah, Kedar G; Felix, Sarah H; Frank, Loren M; Greengard, Leslie F

    2017-09-13

    Understanding the detailed dynamics of neuronal networks will require the simultaneous measurement of spike trains from hundreds of neurons (or more). Currently, approaches to extracting spike times and labels from raw data are time consuming, lack standardization, and involve manual intervention, making it difficult to maintain data provenance and assess the quality of scientific results. Here, we describe an automated clustering approach and associated software package that addresses these problems and provides novel cluster quality metrics. We show that our approach has accuracy comparable to or exceeding that achieved using manual or semi-manual techniques with desktop central processing unit (CPU) runtimes faster than acquisition time for up to hundreds of electrodes. Moreover, a single choice of parameters in the algorithm is effective for a variety of electrode geometries and across multiple brain regions. This algorithm has the potential to enable reproducible and automated spike sorting of larger scale recordings than is currently possible. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Electrochemistry of raloxifene on glassy carbon electrode and its determination in pharmaceutical formulations and human plasma.

    PubMed

    Bagheri, Akbar; Hosseini, Hadi

    2012-12-01

    The electrochemical behavior of raloxifene (RLX) on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) has been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The CV studies were performed in various supporting electrolytes, wide range of potential scan rates, and pHs. The results showed an adsorption-controlled and quasi-reversible process for the electrochemical reaction of RLX, and a probable redox mechanism was suggested. Under the optimum conditions, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was applied for quantitative determination of the RLX in pharmaceutical formulations. The DPV measurements showed that the anodic peak current of the RLX was linear to its concentration in the range of 0.2-50.0μM with a detection limit of 0.0750μM, relative standard deviation (RSD %) below 3.0%, and a good sensitivity. The proposed method was successfully applied for determination of the RLX in pharmaceutical and human plasma samples with a good selectivity and suitable recovery. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Quantification of ethanol in plasma by electrochemical detection with an unmodified screen printed carbon electrode

    PubMed Central

    Tian, Gang; Zhang, Xiao-Qing; Zhu, Ming-Song; Zhang, Zhong; Shi, Zheng-Hu; Ding, Min

    2016-01-01

    Simple, rapid and accurate detection of ethanol concentration in blood is very crucial in the diagnosis and management of potential acute ethanol intoxication patients. A novel electrochemical detection method was developed for the quantification of ethanol in human plasma with disposable unmodified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) without sample preparation procedure. Ethanol was detected indirectly by the reaction product of ethanol dehydrogenase (ADH) and cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Method validation indicated good quantitation precisions with intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations of ≤9.4% and 8.0%, respectively. Ethanol concentration in plasma is linear ranging from 0.10 to 3.20 mg/mL, and the detection limit is 40.0 μg/mL (S/N > 3). The method shows satisfactory correlation with the reference method of headspace gas chromatography in twenty human plasma samples (correlation coefficient 0.9311). The proposed method could be applied to diagnose acute ethanol toxicity or ethanol-related death. PMID:27006081

  17. Segmented electrode hall thruster with reduced plume

    DOEpatents

    Fisch, Nathaniel J.; Raitses, Yevgeny

    2004-08-17

    An apparatus and method for thrusting plasma, utilizing a Hall thruster with segmented electrodes along the channel, which make the acceleration region as localized as possible. Also disclosed are methods of arranging the electrodes so as to minimize erosion and arcing. Also disclosed are methods of arranging the electrodes so as to produce a substantial reduction in plume divergence. The use of electrodes made of emissive material will reduce the radial potential drop within the channel, further decreasing the plume divergence. Also disclosed is a method of arranging and powering these electrodes so as to provide variable mode operation.

  18. Pulsed Plasma Lubrication Device and Method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hofer, Richard R. (Inventor); Bickler, Donald B. (Inventor); D'Agostino, Saverio A. (Inventor)

    2016-01-01

    Disclosed herein is a lubrication device comprising a solid lubricant disposed between and in contact with a first electrode and a second electrode dimensioned and arranged such that application of an electric potential between the first electrode and the second electrode sufficient to produce an electric arc between the first electrode and the second electrode to produce a plasma in an ambient atmosphere at an ambient pressure which vaporizes at least a portion of the solid lubricant to produce a vapor stream comprising the solid lubricant. Methods to lubricate a surface utilizing the lubrication device in-situ are also disclosed.

  19. Comparison of unusual carbon-based working electrodes for electrochemiluminescence sensors.

    PubMed

    Noman, Muhammad; Sanginario, Alessandro; Jagadale, Pravin; Demarchi, Danilo; Tagliaferro, Alberto

    2017-06-01

    In this work, unconventional carbon-based materials were investigated for use in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) working electrodes. Precursors such as bamboo, pistachio shells, kevlar ® fibers and camphor were differently treated and used as working electrodes in ECL experiments. After a proper process they were assembled as electrodes and tested in an electrochemical cell. Comparison among them and with a commercial glassy carbon electrode (GCE) shows a very good response for all of them thus demonstrating their potential use as disposable low-cost electrodes for early detection electrochemical analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Methanol-tolerant cathode catalyst composite for direct methanol fuel cells

    DOEpatents

    Zhu, Yimin; Zelenay, Piotr

    2006-09-05

    A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) having a methanol fuel supply, oxidant supply, and its membrane electrode assembly (MEA) formed of an anode electrode and a cathode electrode with a membrane therebetween, a methanol oxidation catalyst adjacent the anode electrode and the membrane, an oxidant reduction catalyst adjacent the cathode electrode and the membrane, comprises an oxidant reduction catalyst layer of Pt.sub.3Cr/C so that oxidation at the cathode of methanol that crosses from the anode through the membrane to the cathode is reduced with a concomitant increase of net electrical potential at the cathode electrode.

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