Module 1
Module 1
Energy Systems: Introduction to batteries, construction, working and applications of Lithium ion
and Sodium ion batteries. Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells (QDSSC's) - Principle, Properties and
Applications.
What are sensors? Briefly describe the functions of main components of a sensor.
A chemical sensor is a device that is capable of giving real time analytical information about a test
sample. It interacts with a specific chemical or biological analyte, detects it and produces the signal
proportional to its quantity.
Working principle
Electrochemical sensors involve the measurement of electric current generated by chemical reactions
in the electrochemical system.
Electrochemical sensor’s working mechanism involves the interaction of the target analyte material
with the electrode surface and bringing the desired change due to redox reaction, which generates an
electrical signal that can be transformed to explore the nature of the analyte species.
Applications of electrochemical sensors
1. The electro chemical oxygen sensor is used for detection of dissolved oxygen in water boiler and
to monitor dissolved oxygen concentration in metal melts, glasses and in hydrogen fuel.
2. Electrochemical sensors are used in security and defence applications like detection of toxic gas,
warfare agents etc.
3. Electrochemical sensors are used in water analysis and environmental monitoring, like
measurement of toxic metal concentration in water, detection of oxides of nitrogen and sulphur, CO,
pH of water etc.
4. They are used in diagnostic and health-care applications, like in situ monitoring of glucose serum
uric acid, blood Ca, Fe, Acetylcholine etc.
What is optical sensors? Explain, detail working principle and any four application
Sensors based on the measurement of interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the
chemical species and converts light rays into an electronic signal are called optical sensors.
Optical sensors have the ability to detect light, typically at a specific range of the electromagnetic
spectra (ultraviolet, visible, and infrared). The sensor detects either wavelength, frequency, or
polarization of light and converts it into electric signal due to photoelectric effect.
The intensity of the radiation emitting from the analyte carries information on the concentration of
the analyte. Simple optical sensor consists of light source, a wavelength selector, a photodetector,
and a display of the output.
The current produced by the reduction of oxygen at cathode is proportional to the partial pressure of
oxygen in the water sample.
Appications
1) O2 sensors help regulate your car engine's air-fuel ratio
2) Determines the concentration of oxygen in soil in IoT-based farming
3) The oxygen sensors are used in oxygen analyzers, anesthesia monitors and respirators
Describe the application of electrochemical sensor for the detection of pharmaceuticals taking
diclofenac as an example
Diclofenac, is one of the most frequently prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
with antipyretic and analgesic effects. In the electrochemical sensor used to detect diclofenac, the
sensing (working) electrode is graphite carbon coated with Multi walled carbon nanotubes and gold
nanoparticles. When the sample containing diclofenac is put in the sensor, the following oxidation
reaction of diclofenac occurs on the surface of the sensing electrode. The change in potential of the
reaction gives the concentration of diclofenac.
Describe the application of electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrocarbons taking 1-
hydroxypyrene as an example
Detection of hydrocarbon pollutants, mainly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is essential to
monitor their toxicity and carcinogenic risk.
Electrochemical sensor used to detect 1-hydroxypyrene, consists of the sensing (working) electrode
made of graphite carbon coated with chromium containing metal Organic framework (Cr-MOF) and
graphene oxide.
1,6-hydroxypyrene structure contains electrochemically active hydroxyl groups, which can be
oxidized by the anode active material hydoxypyrene gets oxidised quinine. Concentration of 1,6-
hydoxypyrene is determined from the change in potential of the reaction.
Describe the application of electrochemical gas sensor for the detection of NOx.
Electrochemical sensors are made up of three essential components: a receptor that binds the sample,
the sample or analyte, and a transducer to convert the reaction into a measurable electrical signal. In
the case of electrochemical sensors, the electrode acts as the transducer.
NO is an important gas it becomes crucial in the diagnostics of cardiovascular complications.
Detection of NO, in an amperometric gas sensor in aqueous electrolyte is based on the following
electrochemical/reduction reaction on the surface of sensing electrode. Silver is used as sensing
electrode.
What is a disposable sensor? Describe the use of disposable sensor in detection of biomolecule,
ascorbic acid.
Portable sensors used for on-the-spot analysis using a disposable strip with receptor and electrodes
printed on it, is called as disposable sensor.
Disposable, pre-activated screen printing electrodes have been developed for a spot analysis of
ascorbic acid (Vitamin-C).
What is a disposable sensor? Describe the use of disposable sensor in detection of pesticide,
glyphosate.
Portable sensors used for on-the-spot analysis using a disposable strip with receptor and electrodes
printed on it, is called as disposable sensor.
Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] is an organophosphorus pesticide. It is extensively used
as herbicide in agriculture.
Glycine oxidase can cleave the C-N bond in glyphosate. The glycine oxidase enzyme immobilized
on a screen- printed carbon electrode can be used as sensing (working) electrode in glyphosate
disposable biosensor. It oxidizes glyphosate in to amidomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) and
glyoxylate. Concentration of glyphosate is determined from the change in potential of the oxidation
process.
Explain the construction and working of lithium ion batteries and mention it applications
During discharging lithium ions are dissociated from the anode and migrate across the electrolyte
and occupy the crystal lattice of the cathode.
Advantages
Longest Life- Low self discharge
Ecofriendly- No gasses emitted
Temperature Tolerant
Charging - Fast & Safe.
Lightweight. 50-60% less weight than lead-acid equivalent.
Explain construction, working and application Sodium ion batteries and its application?
Anode Hard Carbon
Cathode Sodium inserted in layered metal oxide (MnO₂).
Electrolyte Sodium salt like NaPF, dissolved in binary organic solvent such as ethylene
carbonate-dimethyl carbonate.
At anode
C-Na C + Na+ + e-
Electrons flow from anode to cathode through external circuit. Sodium ions move through the
electrolyte and separator to reach cathode.
At cathode
Na+ + e- + MO2 Na-MO2
Sodium ions are reduced to sodium atoms and are inserted in to the layered structure of metal oxide
Reactions are reversed during charging of the battery.
Advantages:
1. Na is inexpensive, more abundant than Li by 2-3 orders of magnitude. Therefore cost of
production of SIB is lower than Lithium ion battery.
2. Processing of sodium is more environmentally friendly than lithium.
3. Sodium is less explosive and safer than lithium.
Explain the construction and working of Quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSC'S).
Mention its applications
Solar cells are photovoltaic devices that directly convert a solar photon into electricity via the
photoelectric effect. QDSCs have high light absorption coefficient, tunable band gap, high stability,
and low-cost availability.
Construction
Photo anode: Photoanode is a conducting glass, over which a wide-band gap semiconductor like
TiO2, ZnO, SnO₂ is coated.
Cathode: Brass Plate
Electrolyte: Poly lead sulphide (S2-)
Working of Quantum dot sensitized solar photovoltaic cell