Highly efficient electrochemical energy conversion in a 3D hollow microenvironment: towards on-a-chip sensor applications

Author(s)

Minatogau Ferro, Leticia Marie ; de Barros, Anerise ; Zaparoli Falsetti, Luis Otavio ; Correa, Catia Crispilho ; Merces, Leandro ; Bof Bufon, Carlos Cesar

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A; v. 8, n. 38, p. 11-pg., 2020-10-14.

Abstract

Multipurpose analytical platforms that can reliably be adapted to distinct targets are essential nowadays. Here, the conception, characterization, and application of ultracompact three-dimensional (3D) electroanalytical platforms based on self-curled nanomembranes are presented. The electrodes of all devices are deterministically integrated on the inner walls of a hollow microtube - a task that cannot be accomplished by approaches other than the successful manipulation of nanomembranes. The on-a-chip architecture demonstrated here allows picoliter-sampling, ensures a well-controlled environment for complex analysis, and improves the catalytic activity by enhancing ion transport and electron transfer rates. As a proof-of-concept, these features are exploited to create a new device to monitor the chemical oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) - a biomolecule related to human neurodegenerative diseases. Without any electrode functionalization, the nanomembrane-based 3D-devices exhibit sensitivity per unit area compared to the state-of-the-art NADH sensors. Envisioning lab-on-a-chip purposes, the reduced electrode footprint area of the 3D-device makes its sensitivity per area on a chip even higher, attesting the potential of this platform towards further energy conversion applications. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/18136-0 - Hybrid nanodevices: magnetoelectronic transport and development of sensors based on molecules/nanomembranes
• Grantee: Leandro das Mercês Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 14/50906-9 - INCT 2014: in Functional Complex Materials
• Grantee: Fernando Galembeck
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/21117-4 - Development and characterization of nanomembrane-based electrochemical cells for biosensor application
• Grantee: Letícia Mariê Minatogau Ferro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/25979-2 - Fabrication and characterization of devices and systems based on hybrid nanomembranes
• Grantee: Carlos César Bof Bufon
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants