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What Are Sensors - Working Principles

Electrochemical sensors convert chemical reactions into electrical signals through various principles, including potentiometric, amperometric, conductometric, and impedimetric methods. Each type measures different parameters such as voltage, current, conductivity, or impedance, and is used for specific applications like pH measurement or glucose detection. Key components common to these sensors include working electrodes, reference electrodes, and electrolyte solutions.

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Damodhar Ghime
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7 views2 pages

What Are Sensors - Working Principles

Electrochemical sensors convert chemical reactions into electrical signals through various principles, including potentiometric, amperometric, conductometric, and impedimetric methods. Each type measures different parameters such as voltage, current, conductivity, or impedance, and is used for specific applications like pH measurement or glucose detection. Key components common to these sensors include working electrodes, reference electrodes, and electrolyte solutions.

Uploaded by

Damodhar Ghime
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Working Principles of Electrochemical Sensors

Electrochemical sensors operate by converting a chemical reaction into an electrical signal. The
fundamental principles depend on the type of sensor, but they generally involve redox (reduction-
oxidation) reactions occurring at an electrode surface. Below are the key working principles:

1. Potentiometric Sensors (Measure Voltage)

• Based on the Nernst equation, these sensors measure the potential difference (voltage)
between a working electrode and a reference electrode.

• The voltage change is proportional to the concentration of the target analyte (e.g., pH sensors,
ion-selective electrodes).

• Example: A pH meter measures the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.

Key Components:
✔ Working Electrode
✔ Reference Electrode
✔ Electrolyte Solution

2. Amperometric Sensors (Measure Current)

• These sensors apply a fixed voltage between a working and reference electrode, causing
oxidation or reduction of the target analyte.

• The resulting current is directly proportional to the analyte concentration.

• Example: Glucose biosensors detect glucose by oxidizing it and measuring the resulting current.

Key Components:
✔ Working Electrode
✔ Counter Electrode
✔ Reference Electrode
✔ Electrolyte

3. Conductometric Sensors (Measure Conductivity)

• Measure changes in electrical conductivity due to the presence of ions in the analyte.

• As the target chemical reacts, ion concentration changes, affecting the overall conductivity.
• Example: Some gas sensors detect pollutants by measuring conductivity variations in the
presence of gases.

Key Components:
✔ Conducting Electrodes
✔ Ionic Solution

4. Impedimetric Sensors (Measure Impedance)

• These sensors measure electrochemical impedance, which includes both resistance and
capacitance.

• The impedance changes when the target analyte interacts with the electrode surface.

• Example: Biosensors for detecting proteins, DNA, or pathogens in medical diagnostics.

Key Components:
✔ Working Electrode
✔ Reference Electrode
✔ Electrolyte Solution

General Electrochemical Sensor Structure

1️⃣ Working Electrode (WE) – Where the target analyte reacts.


2️⃣ Reference Electrode (RE) – Provides a stable reference voltage.
3️⃣ Counter Electrode (CE) – Completes the electrical circuit (used in amperometric sensors).
4️⃣ Electrolyte Solution – Conducts ions and facilitates reactions.

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