Screen-printed electrochemical paper sensors: Testing methods and performance evaluation
Torniainen, Niina (2022)
Torniainen, Niina
2022
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2022060114191
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2022060114191
Tiivistelmä
In this thesis the focus was on the measuring techniques of screen-printed electrochemical sensors. Screen-printing is one of the best-established methods of printed electronics and electrochemical sensors are commercially mass manufactured with it. Most of the sensors are made on substrates such as polymer or alumina. Form environmental and economical point of view printing on paper is a desirable substrate to use for sensors. Paper also brings benefits to testing and modification of sensors. Testing methods and techniques of electrochemical sensors are necessary tools for use of sensors. Understanding the principle of the measurement methods and analytical thinking is required for using the sensors and understanding the data.
Extensive research of literature on the different methods for testing the functionality and quality of the printed sensors was done. The vast field of electrochemistry is described and the position of electrochemical sensors is illustrated. Different aspects of manufacturing of the sensors with screen-printing process are explained and the differences between paper and polymer substrates described. The best testing method and pre-treatment steps for the paper sensors is determined and the optimized method is used to compare the paper sensors to polymer sensors. The electrochemical methods used for the testing are cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and variation of cyclic voltammetry, scan rate analysis.
A successful comparison of paper and polymer sensors was completed with cyclic voltammetry and amperometric methods. The scan rate measurement provided more information about the functionality and reversibility of the paper sensors. Electrochemical paper sensors work well, but the current values are lower and the reactions slower in comparison to polymer ones. Paper sensors bring other benefits to the measurements and can be developed to better operate. The improved testing methods can be used for paper and polymer sensors testing in research and development work to gain information on the fundamental reactions occurring on the surface of the electrodes.
Extensive research of literature on the different methods for testing the functionality and quality of the printed sensors was done. The vast field of electrochemistry is described and the position of electrochemical sensors is illustrated. Different aspects of manufacturing of the sensors with screen-printing process are explained and the differences between paper and polymer substrates described. The best testing method and pre-treatment steps for the paper sensors is determined and the optimized method is used to compare the paper sensors to polymer sensors. The electrochemical methods used for the testing are cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and variation of cyclic voltammetry, scan rate analysis.
A successful comparison of paper and polymer sensors was completed with cyclic voltammetry and amperometric methods. The scan rate measurement provided more information about the functionality and reversibility of the paper sensors. Electrochemical paper sensors work well, but the current values are lower and the reactions slower in comparison to polymer ones. Paper sensors bring other benefits to the measurements and can be developed to better operate. The improved testing methods can be used for paper and polymer sensors testing in research and development work to gain information on the fundamental reactions occurring on the surface of the electrodes.