Element sensor based on microplasma generators

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a study on miniaturized instruments for analytical chemistry with a microplasma as the excitation source. Design/methodology/approach The atmospheric pressure glow microdischarge could be ignited inside a ceramic structure between a solid anode and a liquid cathode. As a result of the cathode sputtering of the solution, it was possible to determine its chemical composition by analyzing the emission spectra of the discharge. Cathodes with microfluidic channels and two types of anodes were constructed. Both types were tested through experimentation. Impact of the electrodes geometry on the discharge was established. A cathode aperture of various sizes and anodes made from different materials were used. Findings The spectroscopic properties of the discharge and its usefulness in the analysis depended on the ceramic structure. The surface area of the cathode aperture and the flow rate of the solution influence on the detection limits (DLs) of Zn and Cd. Originality/value Constructed ceramic structures were able to excite elements and their laboratory-size systems. During the experiments, Zn and Cd were detected with DLs 0.024 and 0.053 mg/L, respectively.

Optical Detection System of Heavy Metals Based on Microplasma Excitation

“…The most promising results were obtained for the drop system, the application of which has many advantages, such as no microfluidic pumps, discharge stability and no liquid waste. Preliminary studies have been reported in [1][2][3][4].…”

Plasma Jets Fabricated in Low-Temperature Cofired Ceramics for Gold Nanoparticles Synthesis

“…The ability of LTCC to fabricate multilayer circuits opens this technology to microsystem technology (MST), which is applied in the production of various sensors [ 5 ]. The LTCC has already been used for fabrication of plasma generators [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ] for s elements in liquidous solutions [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ] or flowing gas [ 10 ].…”