1. Rapid and Inexpensive Alternative for Ion Analysis: Online Microchip Electrophoresis
Philippe Dekleva and Scott Noblitt
MicroChemica, LLC
Fort Collins, CO
March 21, 2016
Grant award: 2R44ES A1
Contact:
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Overview
Problem
Ionic contaminants in the environment
Perchlorate, selenium, sulfate, metals, etc
Real-time monitoring difficult
Ion Chromatography (IC): expensive, online difficult, solution volumes
Ion-selective electrodes (ISE): limited analytes, calibration drift
Solution
Microfluidic chemical separation
Analysis times ≅ 1 min
Low volumes (100 mL = weeks of operation)
Contact conductivity detection
Detection limits typically ≅ 10 ppb (lower possible)
Can measure species that don’t absorb light
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Technology
Microchip electrophoresis
Miniaturized separation and analysis
Measures ionic (charged) species
Sample are solutions (water, ethanol, etc) or dissolved in liquids
Multiple species: ppb sensitivity & within minutes
Result appears similar to chromatography
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Novelty & Benefits
Long-term operation (unattended weeks-months)
Unique for a microfluidic or electrophoresis system
Robust against insolubles and air bubbles in sample
Speed and performance
~1 min for ppb-level measurements
Precision values as good as 0.5%
Can sacrifice speed for improved sensitivity & precision
Cost ($20-50k)
Lower cost than IC equivalent
Both capital and consumables
Small footprint
Chip = 1×3”, detector & power supply ≅ shoebox size
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Details
Status
Currently: benchtop format
In development: online, real-time operation for field analyses
Example targets: sulfate, nitrate, selenate, perchlorate, fluoride, acetate, ammonium, lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, or barium
Limitations
Target species must be charged (ion)
Operating temperature < 50 °C
Detection limit hindered by solution conductivity
< 1 ppb in distilled water
1-40 ppb in tap water
~1 ppm in sea water
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Applications
Aerosol composition
Sulfate in ethanol
Perchlorate remediation
Others upon request
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References
Grants
NIH: 2R44ES A1
EPA: EPD15052
Patents
Non-Fluidic Microdetection Device and Uses Thereof United States 11/932977
Microfluidic Interface for a Microchip United States 61/338971
Fluidic and Electrical Interface for Microfluidic Chips United States 13/677036
Publications
On-Line Monitoring of Chloride and Sulfate in the Steam Cycle with a New Analytical Technique, Power Plant Chemistry, January 2013
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Thoughts & Comments
Contact us to learn more about this exciting technology
MicroChemica, LLC
3185-A Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, CO
Phone 1 (970)
CONFIDENTIAL © Copyright 2016 MicroChemica