Nanoelectrochemical sensor for total chlorine speciation and continuous monitoring

Overview

This solution is a nanoelectrochemical sensor platform designed to quantify and differentiate total chlorine and its primary speciated forms, including mono-, di-, tri-chloramines and free chlorine. Built on conductive functionalized carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays fabricated onto semiconducting materials and specialized circuits, the technology addresses a critical gap in chlorine monitoring by enabling highly sensitive detection at parts-per-billion levels without the need for additional laboratory reagents. The platform supports continuous, remote monitoring, making it well suited for applications where real-time water quality data is essential, such as dialysis water safety, industrial wastewater management, and on-site environmental monitoring.

Technical specifications

Core technology:

• Functionalized carbon nanotube arrays integrated onto semiconductor substrates and specialized circuits
• High-density nanoelectrode architecture with over 10^6 nanoelectrodes within a compact 5 mm x 4 mm area
• Each chlorine species generates a unique, measurable current profile or electrochemical fingerprint at known concentrations
• Linear response curves across concentration ranges with correlation coefficients exceeding r^2 > 0.97
• Reagent-free operation enabling continuous, remote deployment

Key capabilities:

• Detection sensitivity at parts-per-billion levels
• Speciation of total chlorine into mono-, di-, tri-chloramines and free chlorine
• Miniaturized form factor suitable for in-line integration
• Compatibility with remote monitoring systems

Manufacturing and quality infrastructure:

• ISO Class 7 cleanroom production environment
• ISO 13485 certification for medical device manufacturing
• Capability to scale from low to high volume production
• Proven track record in developing miniaturized implantable and on-site sensors, including continuous glucose monitors and heavy metal sensors for wastewater

Technology readiness level

The underlying nanoelectrochemical sensing approach has been demonstrated on a related wastewater nanosensor, where species-specific current fingerprints have been characterized at known concentrations with strong linear correlation. The technology is now at the stage of being adapted and optimized specifically for total chlorine detection. Future validation efforts will focus on optimizing CNT functionalization, array configuration, and circuit board assembly to achieve the desired sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and signal-to-noise ratio for total chlorine speciation. This will be followed by the design of a small, in-line form factor suitable for clinical and industrial deployment. The planned validation timeline is approximately one year, encompassing feasibility testing and prototype assembly. The organization is seeking a funding and support partnership to advance this work toward a market-ready sensor product.