Portable Trace Metal Detection System Based on Disposable Multi-Element Nanoband Electrode Sensors

This Phase I project involves the development of a portable system for the analysis of trace metals in aqueous solutions based on an innovative disposable multi-element nanoband electrode sensor. The system will be capable of real-time detection of a variety of heavy metals in aqueous solutions, including Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Hg with a 100 ppb detection limit. The system also will be capable of sub-ppb detection limits with measurement times of 2 minutes or less. For the Phase I effort, EDTEK will develop and test a prototype sensing system based on disposable multi-element nanoband electrode array sensors fabricated using Masked Ion Beam Lithography. This technique, which is capable of producing electrodes with dimensions of 70 nm, also is ideal for the low-cost production of sensors with sub-micron dimensions. In addition to electrode fabrication, supporting electronics and software will be designed and constructed to take advantage of the unique characteristics of these novel sensors. The commercial applications for a low- cost, portable trace metal analysis include chemical process monitoring, process monitoring for plating baths, wastewater remediation, well water characterization, and field assessment of contaminated sites.