Applications

Blue Box Sensors operate on the basis of the electrocatalytic reduction or oxidation at the surface of the sensor. Measurements are made amperometrically using the Constant potential Amperometry technique, where a constant potential is applied using a potentiostat; a hardware unit which keeps the working electrode potential constant relative to a reference electrode by adjusting the current at an auxiliary (or counter) electrode (a three electrode system). By applying a constant voltage to the sensor, the resultant measured current is proportinoal to the dissolved analyte concentration. 

Constant Potential Amperometry

Constant potential amperometry is an electrochemical technique where a constant potential is applied to a sensor (working electrode) and the faradaic current is measured. This current is generated by the reduction or oxidation of the target chemical substance (analyte) at the electrode surface.

The Three Electrode System:

A three electrode system is commonly used in electro analytical experiments for investigations of reaction mechanisms related to reduction-oxidation chemistry. In a three electrode system, a working, reference and auxiliary electrode are required. The working electrode is detecting the analyte of interest and is either cathodic if the reaction is reduction or anodic if the reaction is oxidation.

The Potentiostat:

The constant potential is delivered using a potentiostat, a hardware unit which keeps the working electrode potential constant relative to a reference electrode by adjusting the current at an auxiliary (or counter) electrode. Potentiostats are either external devices when used in our tethered systems, or fully implantable, when used in our wireless telemetry system.