Inverted Mesa Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance (IM-EQCM) Sensors as Orthogonal Detection Platforms

This start-up proposal is being submitted in quest of accuracy and reliability for chemical sensors comparable to that of biosensors via the hyphenation of two highly successful probes in the sensing arena i.e., electrochemical (E) and QCM sensors, so as to obtain orthogonal signals that enhance accuracy and reliability through internal validation. The prerequisites for this design include efficient immobilization of sensing materials, no interference and coupling between adjacent sensors, non-interfering instrumental setups, and correct interpretation of combined data. These prerequisites will be accomplished in the course of this project firstly by fabrication and testing of innovative inverted mesa EQCM structures and finalizing the mesa and electrode geometries. Then the actual methodologies of data extraction will be established by combining nano-gravimetry to amperometric, voltammetric, and impedance analysis in various real life conditions. Various electrochemical control functions and the extension to impedance spectroscopy will extend the breadth for the accurate sensing systems for broad range of analytes including those that are not redox active. The final protocol will be benchmarked against individual electrochemical and QCM sensing as well as GC-MS to assess the real benefits and the probability to succeed in the future product development.