Sub: Chemistry for CSE stream; Sem: I/II MODULE 1: Sensors and Energy System Prepared by: Dr.

Dr. MANJU M

MODULE 1 (Important Question and Answers)

SENSORS AND ENERGY SYSTEM

Jan/Feb-2023/6M, Model Q.Paper-1/6M, Model Q.Paper-2/6M

1. What are electrochemical sensors? Explain the principle and working of electrochemical sensors and
mention the applications of electrochemical sensors.
Ans:

Sensors which convert the effect of electrochemical reactionbetween analyte and

Electrode surface into a useful signal are known as electrochemical sensors.
In electrochemical sensors the electrode is used as transducer element.

They are divided into several types:

 Potentiometric (measure voltage)
 Amperometric (measure current)
 Conductometric (measure conductivity)
Construction:

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Sub: Chemistry for CSE stream; Sem: I/II MODULE 1: Sensors and Energy System Prepared by: Dr. MANJU M

A typical electrochemical sensor consists of

1. Sensing electrode (or) working electrode: which senses the target analyst(gas) by oxidizing or
reducing reactions.
2. Counter electrode: It is separated by thin layer of electrolyte. these electrodes is used to complete the
circuit and also charge to flow.
3. Reference electrode: The electrode measuring and controlling the electrode potential.

Working principle:

The target analyst (gas) that comes in contact with sensor initially goes through a small opening of narrow
structure. Afterwards analyst (gas) diffuse through hydro phobic membrane last reaches the sensing electrode
surface.

The analyst (gas) at sensing electrode undergoes oxidation or reduction reaction. The reactions are catalyzed by
electrode materials developed for the analyst (gas) of interest or target analyst (gas) and signal is generated. The
electric signal are related to the concentration of analyst (gas). Electrochemical sensing always required a closed
circuit, current must flow to make to measurements These sensors are often called an electrochemical cell.
Ex: - sensing of NO gas [Nitrogen monoxide]
Sensor senses the oxidation of NO as it occurs on electron surface and converts it into signals.

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Applications: -
1. Electrochemical sensors are used for Environmental monitoring of air quality.
2. Electrochemical sensors are used for the detection of explosive gases and toxic gases
3. Electrochemical sensors are used for Oxygen monitoring in medical sector.
4. Electrochemical sensors are used for Food quality control.
5. Electrochemical sensors used for the detection of blood glucose
6. Electrochemical sensors are used for pH measurements
7. Electrochemical sensors are used to detect pesticides
8. Electrochemical sensors are used in the detection of hydrocarbon pollutants

Model Q.Paper-1/6M
2. Define is sensor? Discuss the principle, working and applications of optical sensors.
Ans:
“Sensor is a device that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical environment”.
OR
“The sensor is a device that interacts with a specific chemical or biological species (analyte), detects it and
measure its physical / Chemical information into measurable electrical signal proportional to its quantity”.

 “Optical Sensors are the devices that convert light energy into electrical signals”.

 The optical sensors are able to detect electromagnetic radiation from infrared to
ultraviolet.

 The optical sensing can be based on absorption, emission, reflection and scattering of
light byanalyte solution.

 The optical signals arise from the interaction of analyte with incident light. The
interaction could result in absorption, emission, reflection and scattering of light.

 The intensity of radiation (light) emitting from analyte carries information on the
concentration of the analyte.

 Out of several optical sensor, colorimetric sensor are simple type of optical sensor. Whose
wave length in visible region (400-800nm

 Hence colorimetry is used to determine the concentration of colored chemical species of

analyte solution.

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Principle of colorimetric sensor:

 When a light of suitable wave length is interacted with analyte solution then certain quantity
of the light is absorbed by the analyte.
 The amount of absorbance is governed by Beer-Lamberts Law
Beer-Lamberts Law:
When a beam of monochromatic light is passed through the analyte solution, then the
absorbance of light is directly proportional to the concentration of the solution and thickness of
medium.
The change in intensity of light after the absorption by analyte is detected by optical
sensor and converted into electrical signal.
Instrumentation of colorimetric sensor:-

 The main components in a simple optical sensor used to measure absorption of light are
light source, condense lens, filter, cuvette, photo detector and display output.

Light source: A tungsten lamp is used as a light of source for wavelength in visible range 400-800nm
Condensed Lens: This focuses the light from the source to the filter.
Filter OR Monochromator: To filter the undesired radiation.
Sample cell OR Cuvette: The cuvettes are used to hold the colored solution and they are made up of glass,
transparent, clean and without scratches.
Photosensitive detector: When a light fall on the detector system an electric current is generated, this reflects
the galvanometer reading.

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Measuring device: The current from the detector is fed to the measuring device, the galvanometer which shows
the meter reading is directly proportional to the intensity of light.
Working of optical sensor:
 The light radiation coming from the source falls on condensed lens through slit. The lens
condenses the light radiation and passes to filter.
 In the filter, polychromatic light of different wavelength can be converted into monochromatic
desired wavelength of light.
 This light reaches the cuvette and it may absorb, emit or reflect by the solution.
 The transmitted (emitted) light falls on photo detector system where it measures the intensity
of light and it converts that light into signals and sends it to photoelectric digital calorimeter
(display).

Applications:
1. Optical Sensors are used in Smartphone’s for adjusting the brightness of the screen
2. Used in biomedical applications for breath analysis and heart rate monitoring
3. Used in measuring the incident lights intensity and changing it into a readable form
throughan integrated instrument
4. Used in imaging, Remote Sensing satellite, Metrology, medical devices and quality process
control-based applications
5. They are essential in devices like Xerox machines computers and light fixtures.
6. It is used in hospitals and laboratories for the estimation of biochemical samples like plasma, serum, urine
etc…
7. It is used for quantitative estimation of glucose, proteins and other biochemical compounds.
8. It is used to detect heavy metals such as a cadmium present in environmental samples.
It was used in detection of pesticides in agricultural products, food products and soil contamination

Dec-2023/Jan-1024/6M, Model Q.Paper-1/6M

3. Discuss the principle, construction, working and applications of conductometric sensors.
Ans:
Definition: Conductometric sensors are the electrochemical sensors which measure the electrical conductivity of
an analyte on the basis of concentration of that analyte are known as Conductometric sensors.
The conductivity measurement is directly proportional to concentration of analyte solution.

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Principle:
Conduction of a solution is based on
1. Number of ions present in the solution.
2. Mobility of ions.
Both are directly proportional to conductance of the solution.
“The main principle involving the conductometric sensor is the replacement of ions of particular conductance by
ion of different conductance during the course of titration”.
Constructions:
Conductometric sensors consisting of conductivity cell is made up of two Platinum foils are immersing in
analyte solution and the electrodes with unit cross sectional area 1 cm2 and they are placed 1 cm apart and the
volume between two solution is 1cm3 these two electrodes are connected to the detector device.

Working:
The conductivity is a dissociation of electrolyte (Analyte) in to its ions, when an electric field is applied to the
analyte solution, this leads to the migration of ions towards oppositely charged electrodes that is anion move
towards anode and cations move towards cathodes, results in the change in conductivity of the solution. The
change in conductivity is measured by the conductometric sensor and converted into its signals.

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Applications:
1) Used to estimate acids and bases in a sample.
2) Used to estimate the amount of acids in their mixtures.
3) Used to check the amount of ionic impurities in water sample.
4) Used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of sea water and fresh water.
5) Conductometric biosensors are used in biomedicine, environmental monitoring.
6) Used in biotechnology and agriculture related applications.
7) Measurements for reverse osmosis
8) Edible fat and oil processing
9) Measurements for heat exchangers
10) Measuring concentrations of developing solutions and fluoric acid

Jan/Feb-2023/7M, Dec-2023/Jan-1024/6M, Model Q.Paper-1/6M, June/July-2023/7M

4. Describe the electrochemical sensors for the detection of DO.

Ans:
Construction Electrochemical DO sensors:

(Anode)(Counter electrode): Zn, Pb or any other active metal

(Cathode)(Working electrode): Ag or Au
Electrolyte: KOH or NaOH or NaCl or NaBr etc…
Membrane: Teflon (oxygen-permeable membrane)
Insulator: Insulator is made up of polymeric materials; it helps to separate anode and cathode.
The potential difference between the anode and the cathode should be at least 0.5V
Working Principle Electrochemical DO sensors:
 An Electrochemical DO sensor is immersed in water sample.
 Oxygen molecule diffuses across the oxygen-permeable membrane(Teflon) and the rate of diffusion
is proportional to the pressure of oxygen in the water.
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 Molecular Oxygen reduces to OH- at cathode and lead oxidized to Pb2+ at anode to form Pb(OH)2. This
reaction produces an electrical current
 That is directly related to the oxygen concentration. This current is carried by the ions in the electrolyte
and runs from the cathode to the anode
Reactions:

The reaction producers an electric current. The current produced is directly proportional to oxygen concentration
(oxygen consumed).

Dec-2023/Jan-2024/6M, Model Q.Paper-1/7M June/July-2023/7M

5. What is sensor? Describe the Electrochemical gas sensors for the detection of NOx and SOx
 Electrochemical gas sensors are device that interacts electrochemically with analyte gas of interest
and producing an electrical signal.
 These type of sensors are used in monitoring and detection of gaseous analyte.
 They are used mainly to monitor the concentration of air pollutants like CO, NOx, Sox etc…
Electrochemical gas sensors for the detection of NOx:
Construction:

A typical electrochemical NOx gas sensors consists of

Sensing electrode or working electrode: Pt or Au coated on Nafion

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Reference electrode: Ag-AgCl electrode it very close the sensing electrode. The electrode maintain the same
fixed voltage at the sensing electrode.

Counter electrode: Platinum (Pt) wire which is separated by a thin layer of electrolyte and used to complete
the circuit

Electrolyte: Dil H2SO4

Hydrophobic membrane: It allows the moment of NOx gas and restricts the penetration ofmoisture (H2O)

Working:
The NOx gas enters in to the sensors through capillary diffusion barrier and penetrates through a hydrophobic
membrane finally gets adsorbed on the working electrode surface. When a suitable and fixed voltage is applied
to sensing electrode with the help of reference electrode, then it will reduce NO2 or oxidizes NO to generate an
electrical current proportional to its concentration in the NOx gas sample

For NO2 (Electrolyte: 10M H2SO4)

NO2 + 2H+ + 2e- NO + H2O

For NO (Electrolyte: 0.5M H2SO4)

NO + 2H2O HNO3 + 3H+ 3e-

By measuring current flowing between the sensing electrode and counter electrode to determine the
concentration of NOx gas sample.

Electrochemical gas sensors for the detection of SO2:

Construction:

A typical electrochemical SO2 gas sensors consists of

Sensing electrode or working electrode: Au coated on Nafion

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Reference electrode: Ag-AgCl electrode it very close the sensing electrode. The electrode maintain the same
fixed voltage at the sensing electrode.
Counter electrode: Platinum (Pt) wire which is separated by a thin layer of electrolyte and used to complete the
circuit
Electrolyte: Dil H2SO4
Hydrophobic membrane: It allows the moment of SO2 gas and restricts the penetration ofmoisture (H2O)
Working:
The SO2 gas enters in to the sensors through capillary diffusion barrier and penetrates through a hydrophobic
membrane finally gets adsorbed on the working electrode surface. When a suitable and fixed voltage is applied
to sensing electrode with the help of reference electrode, the SO2 undergoes oxidation produce H2SO4 and
generates an electrical current which is proportional to the concentration of SO 2 gas.

SO2 + 2H2O SO4 2- + 4H+ + 2e-

By measuring the current flow between sensing electrode and counter electrodes to determine the concentration
of SO2 gas.

Jan/Feb-2023/7M, June/July-2023/7M
6. What are Disposable sensors? Explain the (Disposable sensors for the detection of bio-molecules)
detection of Ascorbic acid and Glyphosate using disposable sensor.
Ans : “Disposable sensors are p o r t a b l e , low-cost and easy-to-use sensing devices designedfor
short-term or rapid single-point measurements”.
Examples: Blood glucose test strips sensor, Pregnancy test strip sensors, Drug and alcohol test
strips sensors, Pulse oximeters, Insulin pump sensors.
Detection of Ascorbic acid using disposable electrochemical sensor

 L-Ascorbic acid (AA) commonly known as vitamin C, is an important water-soluble vitamin

derived from green vegetables, fruits, and other dietary supplements.
 Ascorbic acid is an essential well known antioxidant, essential nutrient in human diets and is
also used as a food preservative.
 AA improves the immune system.
 It enables collagen synthesis, which is needed to maintain
healthy bones, teeth, skins, cartilages, etc…

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At the same time

 Abnormal AA levels in body fluids may cause cancer, cardiovascular diseases,

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
 Excessive AA use has been reported to cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, headache,
insomnia, gastric irritation, renal problems and loss of food taste.
 Hence the detection of ascorbic acid is important in the field of food safety and medical
diagnosis.

Construction:

Strip: Plastic polyester sheet

Working Electrode: MWCNT modified with gold NPs

Counter electrode: MWCNT modified with gold NPs

Reference electrode: Ag/AgCl electrode

The upper portion is sealed with insulating materials, the strip is connected to electrical connectors and
sensor is immersed in analyte solution for the measurement.
Electrolytes are added to increase the conductivity of the solution and minimizes the resistance
between the working and counter electrode.

Working:

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 The working electrode is designed such that the Ascorbic acid selectively get adsorbed on its surface
 On immersing the sensor in analyte solution followed by applying the suitable and fixed voltage via
reference electrode the oxidation of Ascorbic acid will be takes place on the surface of sensing electrode.

OxidationReaction:
The overall oxidation of ascorbic acid involves the transfer of two electrons and two protons to
form dehydroascorbic acid.

 The electron liberated at the working electrode due to the oxidation of ascorbic acid will results in the flow of
current between counter electrode and working electrode.
 The number of electron liberated is directly proportional to the concentration of ascorbic acid in the analyte solution.
 By measuring the current the concentration of ascorbic acid can be determined.

Disposable sensors for the detection of pesticides:

Example: Glyphosate

Glyphosate is the most commonly used pesticide

Detection of pesticide such as Glyphosate by electrochemicaloxidation method

 One of the most commonly used pesticides is glyphosate.
 Glyphosate has the ability to attach to the soil colloids and degraded by the soil
microorganisms.
 Because of the high concentration of Glyphosate are observed in food and water.

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Electrochemical Sensor for Glyphosate Detection:

The sensor is a silicon- based chip comprising of three-electrode system. It is fabricated by

electro deposition technique.
Working Electrode: A gold electrode coated with gold nanoparticles
Counter electrode: A gold electrode coated with gold nanoparticles
Reference Electrode: Ag/AgCl electrode
Electrolytes are added to increase the conductivity of the solution and minimizes the resistance
between the working and counter electrode.
The upper portion is sealed with insulating materials, the strip is connected to electrical connectors and
sensor is immersed in analyte solution for the measurement.
Working:
 The working electrode is designed such that the Glyphosate selectively get adsorbed on its surface
 On immersing the sensor in analyte solution followed by applying the suitable and fixed voltage via
reference electrode the oxidation of Glyphosate will be takes place on the surface of sensing electrode.

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Oxidation Reaction:

 The electron liberated at the working electrode due to the oxidation of Glyphosate will results in the flow of
current between counter electrode and working electrode.
 The number of electron liberated is directly proportional to the concentration of Glyphosate in the analyte solution.
 By measuring the current the concentration of Glyphosate can be determined.

Jan/Feb-2023/7M, Dec-2023/Jan-1024/6M, June/July-2023/7M

7. Explain about detection of Diclofenac and hydro carbons (PAH’s) with electrochemical oxidation
sensor.
Ans:
Electrochemical sensors for the detection of Pharmaceuticals (diclofenac)
 The Diclofenac is most frequently prescribed Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs( NSAIDs) with
antipyretic and analgesic effects
 DCF is widely used for the treatment of anky losing spondy litis, acute muscle pain conditions and
osteoarthritis etc…
 The over dose of DCF can cause adverse effects, wide usage and poor biodegradability it has serious
effects on the ecosystem.
 The presence of trace DCF in ecosystems affects the health of living organisms.
 Therefore it is very important to develop analytical tool for detection of DCF. Different sensor are used
for these purposes

Construction:
Three electrodes are used for screen printing technology

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Working electrode: Carbon Paste with MWCNT or Graphene

Counter Electrode: Carbon Paste with MWCNT or Graphene
Reference Electrode: Ag/AgCl
Process: Screen Printing Technique on PVC substrate. Insulating ink was
printed on the remaining PVC surface
Working:
 The w orking electrod e is designed su ch that the DCF selectively get adso r bed on
its surface.
 O n imm ersing the sensor in analyte solutio n follow ed by applying the suitabl e
voltage vi a throug h referen ce electr ode the Oxidation of Declofenac occurs at carbon
past(se nsing) electrode to release e-, to form radical intermediates and followed by hydrolysis
of radical intermediate species.
 The products formed are 2, 6- dichloro aniline and 2-Hydroxyphenyl acetic acid.
 The electron liberated at the working electrode due to the oxidation of DCF will result in the flow
of current between counter electrode and working electrode.
 The number of electron liberated is directly proportional to the concentration of DCF in the analyte
solution.
 By measuring the current the concentration of DCF can be determined.

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Electrochemical sensors for the detection of Hydrocarbon:1-Hydroxypyrene (Screen Printed

Sensor)
 Among the dangerous hydrocarbon pollutants polycyclic Aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHCs)are
widely found in Air, Water, Soil and Food

 PAHCs are Carcinogenic & mutagenic compounds

 They can enter the human body mainly through Respiration & Diet.

 Detection of PAHCs is essential to monitor their Toxicity &Carcinogenic risk

 1-Hydroxy pyrene which is commonly found in Urine sample

 The electrochemical sensor are used for the detection of 1-Hydroxy pyrene

Construction:

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Working electrode: PAMAM/Cr-MOF/ECGO/GCE (Composite)

Counter Electrode: PAMAM/Cr-MOF/ECGO/GCE
Reference Electrode: Ag/AgCl

Operating Voltage: +0.7 to −0.5 V

PAMAM: polyamidoamine (Dendrimer)

Cr-MOF: Chromium-centered metal–organic framework

ERGO: E l e c t r o c h e m i c a l l y r e d u c e d Graphene Oxide

GCE: Glassy Carbon Electrode

Working:
 The working electrode is designed such that the 1-Hydroxypyrene selectively get adsorbed on its surface
 On immersing the sensor in analyte solution followed by applying the suitable and fixed voltage via
reference electrode the oxidation of 1-Hydroxypyrene will be takes place on the surface of sensing
electrode.

 The electron liberated at the working electrode due to the oxidation of 1-Hydroxypyrene will results in the
flow of current between counter electrode and working electrode.
 The number of electron liberated is directly proportional to the concentration 1-Hydroxypyrene in the analyte
solution.
 By measuring the current the concentration of 1-Hydroxypyrene can be determined.

Model Q.Paper-2 /6M

8. Write a note on Disposable Sensors? Explain its advantages over classical sensors
Ans : “Disposable sensors are low-cost and easy-to-use sensing devices designedfor short-term or
rapid single-point measurements”.
Examples: Blood glucose test strips sensor, Pregnancy test strip sensors, Drug and alcohol test strips sensors,
Pulse oximeters, Insulin pump sensors.
1. They transduce physical, chemical, or biological changes in their

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environment to an analytical signal.

2. Disposable sensors are Inexpensive, biodegradable and sustainable
3. They have a short duration of analysis and fast response times.
4. It provide digitized chemical and biological information.
5. Prevents the contamination of samples.
6. Reliable and low-cost mass production
7. Simple to use (or) it offers automated handling of samples with minimal user interaction
8. These are portable instruments, gives accurate results in accordance with internationalqualities standards
It is compact with few components

Model Q.Paper-2/7M
9. What are Actuators & Transducers? Explain about detection of Glyphosate with electrochemical
oxidation.

Ans: Transducer – It is an electronic device which converts one form of energy into
another form of energy.

Ex: Speaker converts electrical signal to sound waves.

There are 2 types of transducers
1. Sensors (Input transducers) – It is a device which detects and responds to some type of
input from physical environment and turns into signal which can be measured or reordered.
The input data may be light, heat, moisture, motion, pressure etc (physical phenomenon)
Ex: Solar cells, Potentiometer etc.
2. Actuators (Output transducer) – it is a device that produces or cause motion by
convertingsignals which are coming from the sensors.
Ex: Alarm, LED, Displays, Electric Motors. etc

 Sensor - observe and acquire information

 Transducer- Converts one form of energy into another form
 An actuator- Converts electrical energy into mechanical energy

Model Q.Paper-2/1M(Only Definition of battery), J/F-2023/1M, J-2023/F-2024/ 1M

10. Define a battery. Give the classification of batteries with examples.
Ans:
“A battery is device that consists of two or more cells connected in series or parallel or both”. which
converts chemical energy into electrical energy through redox reactions.
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Example: Lead-acid battery Ni-MH2 battery Zn-Air battery, Li-ion battery, Na-ion battery etc…
Batteries are classified into three types.
(1) Primary [Irreversible] batteries
(2) Secondary [Reversible] batteries
(3) Reserve batteries
(1) Primary [Irreversible] batteries: “Primary batteries are not rechargeable batteries the electrode reactions
are not reversible and once it can be discharge have no further electrical use”.
Eg:- Zn-MnO2 battery, Zn-Air battery and Li-MnO2 battery
(2) Secondary [Reversible] batteries: : “Secondary batteries are rechargeable batteries the electrode reactions
are reversible on passing electric current or by addition of electrolyte”.
Eg:- Lead-Acid battery, Ni-Cd battery, Ni-MH2 battery and Li-ion battery , Na-ion battery, Vanadium redox
flow battery etc.

(3) Reserve batteries: “The batteries which may be stored in an inactive state and ready for use by activating
them prior to the application are referred to as reserve batteries”. The activation involves by adding electrolyte
or connects another cell component.
Eg: Mg- H2O activated battery, and Zn-Ag2O battery.

Jan/Feb-2023/6M, Dec-2023/Jan-1024/7M, Model Q.Paper-1/6, June/July-2023/7M

11. Describe the construction, working and applications of Li-Ion battery

Ans:
Lithium polymer batteries work on the principle of intercalation and de-intercalation of lithium
ions between positive and negative electrode materials with polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid
electrolyte. Lithium polymer batteries is a type of rechargeable battery. It employs Lithium ions as
charge carriers.

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Construction:

During charging processes the electrons and Li-ion flows reversibly. Li-ion battery has a four-layer
structure
Anode: Lithium intercalated graphite/carbon, metal matrix, or polymer. A negative electrode made with specialt y
carbon.
Anode current collector: Copper foil
Cathode: partially lithiated oxides like Ni or Co or Mn such as LiyNiO2 or LiyCoO2 or LiyMn2O4
Cathode current collector: Aluminum foil
An electrolyte: Solid polymer electrolyte like Polyacrylonitrile(PAN) or PMMA or propylene carbonate or
dimethyl CO3 or 1,2 –dimethoxymethane gelled with lithium salt such as LiPF6 or LiAsF6 or LiClO4 or LiBF4.
A separator: Fine porous polymer film like Polyethylene or polypropylene.
Binder: poly vinylidene fluoride
Battery Representation: LixC6 / Li+. C / LiPF6 in PAN / LiCoO2
The chemical reaction that takes place inside the battery is as follows, during charge and discharge operations are;

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Reactions
Discharging
At Anode: LiXC6 xLi+ + 6C + Xe -
Charging
Discharging
At Cathode: Li (1-X)CoO2 + xLi + + xe- LiCoO2
Charging
Discharging
The net cell reaction: LiXC6 + Li (1-X) CoO2 LiCoO2 + 6C
Charging
Applications:
1) It is used in laptop, computers and mobile phones and aerospace application.
2) It is used in portable CD player, Semiconductor driven audio etc…
3) It is used in telecommunication equipment, instruments, portable radios and TVs, pagers.
4) It is used in cardiac pacemakers and other implantable device.
5) The Li-ion batteries are used in cameras, calculators.
Model Q.Paper-2 /6M, June/July-2023/7M
12. Briefly explain construction, electrode reaction of Na-ion battery.
Ans:
Construction:

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Anode: Sodium intercalated disordered carbon material consisting of amorphous structure (hard carbon) with
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
Anode current collector: Aluminium
Cathode: Sodium incorporated transition metal oxide like NaMnO2 with conductive material and
binder, coated on aluminium current collector.
Cathode current collector: Aluminium
Electrolyte: Non-aqueous/aqueous solvents (ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate) with sodium salt
(NaPF6).
Separator: Fiber-based separators such as glass fiber.
Battery Representation: NaxC6 / Na+. C / NaPF6 in PC/EC / NaMnO2
Reactions
Discharging
At Anode: NaXC6 xNa+ + 6C + Xe -
Charging
Discharging
+ -
At Cathode: Na (1-X) MnO2 + xNa + xe NaMnO2
Charging
Discharging
The net cell reaction: NaXC6 + Na (1-X) MnO2 NaMnO2 + 6C
Charging
Applications:
1. The Na – ion battery can be used in cellular phones,
2. The Na – ion battery can be used in laptops
3. The Na – ion battery can be used in electric vehicles
4. The Na – ion battery can be used in power tools.
Jan/Feb-2023/7M, Dec-2023/Jan-1024/6M, Model Q.Paper-1/7M, Model Q.Paper-2 /7M
13. Write a note on Construction and working principle of Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cell (QDSSC).
Ans:
QDSSCs is a semiconductor device which convert solar energy (sunlight) into Electrical energy (Direct current)
A quantum dot solar cell (QDSSC) is a solar cell design that uses quantum dots as the absorbing photovoltaic
material.
Construction:

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Sambhram Institute of Technology, Bengaluru-97 Subject Code:BCHES102/202
Sub: Chemistry for CSE stream; Sem: I/II MODULE 1: Sensors and Energy System Prepared by: Dr. MANJU M

Anode OR Working Electrode:

Fluorinated Tin Oxide substrate is taken and coated with mesoporous wide band gap semiconducting
TiO2. TiO2 is coated with quantum dots such as CdS by CBD(Chemical bath deposition) method. TiO2
act as electron conductors (or acceptors) and transport layers. CdS facilitates the charge separation
Cathode OR Counter Electrode:
A platinum and carbon based materials are coated on a brass substrate. Counter electrode is acting as
cathode and it transfers electrons from external circuit to electrolyte and catalyzes the reduction reaction
of the oxidised electrolyte at the electrolyte/ counter electrode interface.
Electrolyte:
Polysulfide is used as redox electrolyte. or hole conductor which can effectively taken up the holes from
quantum dots.
Sensitizer: CdS is a sensitizer, it is a Quantum dot nanocrystal made as
semiconductor materials.

Working:

 Upon absorption of photon a quantum dot excited from ground state to higher energy state.
Excitation: 𝑄𝐷𝑠 + ℎ𝜈 ⟶ 𝑄𝐷𝑠∗
 The absorption process results in creation of electron – hole pair.

 The excited electron injected to conduction band of TiO2 semiconductor leaving holes on
thesurface of quantum dots.

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Sambhram Institute of Technology, Bengaluru-97 Subject Code:BCHES102/202