A Paper‐Based Potentiometric Sensor for Solid Samples: Corrosion Evaluation of Reinforcements Embedded in Concrete Structures as a Case Study

Abstract

Herein, we present the first paper-based device for facing one of the worldwide concerns of the Modern age: the corrosioninduced deterioration of reinforced concrete. Indeed, the monitoring of corrosion extent in reinforced concrete constructions has been acknowledged as a priority for public safety. In this work, the porosity properties of a paper-based screenprinted Ag/AgCl electrode were exploited for realising a smart analytical tool to be directly applied on the solid surface of concrete for the evaluation of corrosion. The analysis was carried out by measuring the electrochemical potential between the metallic reinforcement and the sensor, needing only 70 μL of electrolyte solution. The sensor was firstly tested in the laboratory using reinforced concrete samples and then applied on the real outdoor artwork Music Collection Session by Arman (Milan, Italy). A summary of the main available nondestructive techniques for corrosion monitoring is reported to provide a critic overview.

Vertical-Flow Paper Sensor for On-Site and Prompt Evaluation of Chloride Contamination in Concrete Structures

“…The effect of the dH 2 O volume was studied by ranging from 5 to 30 μL (Figure 2D) and using chloride-free concrete samples prepared in our laboratory (Figure S2A). The porosity of the cement material makes it readily absorb the solution loaded on the working layer, as observed in our previous works for the measurement of pH 32 and corrosion 33 of concrete using paper-based sensors. In the current study, a volume less than 5 μL turned out to be insufficient to give a detectable signal, being quickly absorbed by the concrete.…”

Frontiers and Challenges in Electrochemical Corrosion Monitoring; Surface and Downhole Applications

“…In a recent report, Colozza et al reported a paper-based device for monitoring the deterioration in concrete structures. The device was prepared by screen printing the Ag/AgCl on paper and directly applied to monitor real-time corrosion sensing in concrete [ 95 ].…”

Origami Paper-Based Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors: State of the Art and Perspective

“…Indeed, besides being plastic free, paper sensors are able to: Reduce the use of energy consumption (for instance, using the capillarity for the microfluidics instead of an external pump) [ 3 ]; Reduce chemicals (since the reaction can happen in the few μL solution layer within the cellulose network) [ 4 ]; Reduce or avoid the sample treatment by exploiting the porosity of the paper [ 5 ]; Allow for the paper network as reservoir for modifying the sensors with nanomaterials [ 6 , 7 ]; Deliver reagent-free analytical tools by exploiting the porosity of the paper [ 8 , 9 ]; Carry out easily the multiplex analyses [ 10 ]; Increase the sensitivity by multistep of sample loading and waiting to become dry before exploiting the 3D network of the paper [ 11 ]; Overcome the limitation of alumina or polyester-based sensors (by measuring the analytes in gas phase of surface, without any additional external sampling system) [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. …”

“…Overcome the limitation of alumina or polyester-based sensors (by measuring the analytes in gas phase of surface, without any additional external sampling system) [ 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

“…Reduce or avoid the sample treatment by exploiting the porosity of the paper [5]; • Allow for the paper network as reservoir for modifying the sensors with nanomaterials [6,7]; • Deliver reagent-free analytical tools by exploiting the porosity of the paper [8,9]; • Carry out easily the multiplex analyses [10]; • Increase the sensitivity by multistep of sample loading and waiting to become dry before exploiting the 3D network of the paper [11]; • Overcome the limitation of alumina or polyester-based sensors (by measuring the analytes in gas phase of surface, without any additional external sampling system) [12][13][14].…”