The Korea Institute of Materials announced on the 7th that Dr. Lee Kyu-hwan's team has developed the world's first sensor that can simultaneously detect the environmental hormone bisphenol A and hydrogen peroxide, a harmful active oxygen. Electrochemical sensor technology that can monitor real-time on-site can be used in various fields such as environment, industry, medical care, and agriculture.
(Picture from Kore aInstitute of Matreials)
According to the Korea Institute of Materials, the global market size in the electrochemical sensor technology sector is currently estimated at $6.619 trillion per year, and is expected to show an average annual growth rate of 11.4%.
Through a simple heat treatment process, the researchers synthesized a 3D type graphene-conductive polymer-palladium nanoparticle composite material to make a sensor. This composite material is 3D and has numerous micropores. It is advantageous for large surface area and material transportation, so it has excellent performance in detecting harmful substances.
In particular, the researchers explained that the positively charged conductive polymer improved the stability of the sensing material and induced uniform binding of palladium nanoparticles to obtain a wide detection range.
The researchers used the method of introducing palladium nanoparticles into 3D graphene aerogels to allow palladium to act as a catalyst to promote oxidation and reduction reactions of two substances, bisphenol A and hydrogen peroxide. Through this, harmful substances were simultaneously detected even at very low concentrations of palladium (nM, 1/1000th of a mole).
Dr. Lee Kyu-hwan said, "Based on the results of this study, we will continue to develop a multi-measuring electrochemical sensor system that can measure various harmful substances at the same time and continue to make efforts to monitor harmful substances in daily life cheaply and quickly."
The findings were published on March 1 in the Chemical Engineering Journal, a world-renowned journal in materials and chemistry.
On the other hand, bisphenol A has endocrine toxicity, so it is designated as a candidate for endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxic substances, and high-risk feared substances. It is a toxic substance contained in products that can be easily accessed in daily life, such as airtight containers, baby bottles, cans, bottled water bottles, receipt paper, and vinyl. It is also the cause of various diseases such as infertility, breast cancer, and precocious puberty.
In addition, hydrogen peroxide, a harmful active oxygen, is made in the process of combining oxygen with nutrients when it generates energy in the human body. It is also easy to lead to diseases such as diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and cancer by breaking down the signaling system of cells and lowering immunity. For this reason, it can be said that the sensor for detecting this in real time has a great use value.
Writer: Yeyoung Jeon
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