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pH-sensitive WO/sub 3/-based microelectrochemical transistors

Journal Article · · J. Phys. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/j100287a030· OSTI ID:6871692

Electrochemical properties of an array of closely spaced (1.2 ..mu..m) Au or Pt microelectrodes (approx.2 ..mu..m wide x approx.50 ..mu..m long x 0.1 ..mu..m high) coated by a 0.15-..mu..m-thick layer of polycrystalline WO/sub 3/ are reported. The WO/sub 3/ is deposited on the electrodes by radio frequency (rf) sputtering of a WO/sub 3/ target. The cyclic voltammetry of these microelectrodes indicates that WO/sub 3/ connects individual microelectrodes. The change in resistance of WO/sub 3/ connecting two microelectrodes as a function of electrochemical potential spans 4 orders of magnitude, from approx.10/sup 6/ to approx.10/sup 2/ ohm. A pair of WO/sub 3/-connected microelectrodes functions as a microelectrochemical transistor that is sensitive to pH. The maximum slope of the drain current, I/sub D/, vs. gate voltage, V/sub G/, plot at fixed drain voltage, V/sub D/, gives a transconductance of 12 mS/mm of gate width. Operating at a frequency of 1 Hz, the power amplification by the WO/sub 3/-based transistor is 200, at pH 1. The power amplification decrease at both higher pH and higher frequency. The properties of the WO/sub 3/-based microelectrochemical transistor allow its use as a real-time pH sensor: a reproducible change in I/sub D/, at fixed V/sub G/ and V/sub D/, is obtained rapidly as the pH of a stream flowed continuously past the electrode is repetitively changed from pH 3.9 to pH 7.2.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
OSTI ID:
6871692
Journal Information:
J. Phys. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phys. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 91:3; ISSN JPCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English