Ceramic capillary electrophoresis chip for the measurement of inorganic ions in water samples

Analyst. 2010 May;135(5):965-70. doi: 10.1039/b922501c. Epub 2010 Feb 5.

Abstract

We present a microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) device build-up in low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) multilayer technology for the analysis of major inorganic ions in water samples in less than 80 s. Contactless conductivity measurement is employed as a robust alternative to direct-contact conductivity detection schemes. The measurement electrodes are placed in a planar way at the top side of the CE chip and are realized by screen printing. Laser-cutting of channel and double-T injector structures is used to minimize irregularities and wall defects, elevating plate numbers per meter up to values of 110,000. Lowest limit of detection is 6 microM. The cost efficient LTCC module is attractive particularly for portable instruments in environmental applications because of its chemical inertness, hermeticity and easy three-dimensional integration capabilities of fluidic, electrical and mechanical components.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ceramics / chemistry*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electrodes
  • Electrophoresis, Microchip / instrumentation
  • Electrophoresis, Microchip / methods*
  • Inorganic Chemicals / analysis*
  • Inorganic Chemicals / chemistry
  • Time Factors
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Inorganic Chemicals
  • Water