Nitrate sensing using copper containing composites as a catalyst

Introduction

• Electrochemical sensing of nitrate is important to regulate nitrate concentration on many fields, as for example in agricultural or environmental, where quantity of nitrate in soil or water has great impact
• This project aims to replicate and establish protocols of fabrication of multiple electrode array, either on flexible substrate or glass, meant to serve as a platform for electrochemical detection
• Furthermore, production of copper (and carbon nanotube) containing composites will be done and applied on the electrode site using micropipetting robot
• Finally, student will use to finalized sensor for detection of nitrate,  compare different electrochemical techniques and characterize the response

Aim & Research Methods

Your task is to…

• Fabricate microelectrode array (on flexible or rigid substrate)
• Make copper containing composite for drop casting on the sensing electrode and detecting nitrate in solution

You will be introduced in an interdisciplinary working environment and will learn the following techniques:

• techniques for rapid prototyping such as laser-patterning
• electrochemical characterization of functionalized electrodes using potentiostat
• experimental design
• use of micropipetting robot
• chemical preparation

Requirements

• dedication and motivation to work on an interdisciplinary research topic self-reliantly
• wet-lab experience
• preferable knowledge in chemistry and electrochemistry

Possible starting date & further information

Potential starting date is February/March. For further details and application contact Marta Nikic (marta.nikic@tum.de)

Additional information