Catalytic mesoporous carbon thin film with silver nanoparticles for continuous total chlorine monitoring
A novel electrochemical sensor combining catalytic mesoporous carbon (CMC) thin film with impregnated silver nanoparticles on a quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) for continuous, in situ detection of total chlorine. The platform converts both free and combined chlorine to chloride ions and uses selective electrodeposition to enable highly sensitive measurement at concentrations below 0.1 mg/L.
Overview
This technology offers a novel electrolyte-free sensor platform for continuous and real-time monitoring of total chlorine in water. It combines a catalytic mesoporous carbon (CMC) thin film with impregnated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) integrated onto an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). The approach addresses a critical need in water treatment, drinking water distribution, and industrial process monitoring where accurate, low-level chlorine detection is essential for safety and regulatory compliance.
Technical specifications
Core mechanism:
- CMC converts both free chlorine and combined chlorine species into chloride ions (Cl-)
- AgNPs selectively electrodeposit Cl- to form AgCl on the sensor surface
- The electrodeposition produces a measurable mass change detected by the EQCM at a sensitivity of 1 ng/cm²
- The mass change correlates directly to chloride concentration, enabling back-calculation of total chlorine
Key features:
- Electrolyte-free operation simplifies deployment and reduces maintenance
- Detection capability for low chloride concentrations below 0.1 mg/L
- Continuous and in situ measurement capability
- Dual-function design: CMC acts as both catalyst and conducting layer for EQCM operation
Development tasks:
- Prepare CMC thin film with impregnated AgNPs and evaluate chlorine-to-chloride conversion efficiency
- Coat CMC/AgNPs on quartz crystal and validate EQCM accuracy at low chloride concentrations
- Assess sensor accuracy and durability over a six-month testing period
Technology readiness level
This technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. The research team has prior expertise in QCM-based biofilm studies, mesoporous carbon thin film fabrication, nanoparticle entrapment techniques, and silver/silver-chloride electrode preparation. The proposed 12-month project aims to fabricate the CMC/AgNPs-EQCM device, validate its sensitivity and accuracy for low-level chlorine detection, and assess long-term durability through extended testing. Further development and field validation would be needed prior to commercial deployment.
About University of Connecticut
UConn is a comprehensive public research university and the state’s flagship, with its main campus in Storrs and an academic medical center in Farmington. Industry engages through UConn Tech Park—anchored by the Innovation Partnership Building—with shared labs, pilot‑scale testbeds, and advanced prototyping for collaborators. Integration with UConn Health enables clinical collaborations and translation, while Hartford and Stamford campuses connect companies to talent along the New York–Boston corridor; a statewide extension network supports technology adoption. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DOD. A dedicated technology commercialization office and the Technology Incubation Program support IP, licensing, and startup incubation across multiple sites.
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