Ø Single Disc Electrodes (SDEs) are inert, microfabricaed electrodes formed from a microlithographically patterned insulator-on-conductor-on-insulator configuration. They are designed for the study of electrical and electrochemical properties of thin polymeric films and coatings, for applications in microelectrochemistry, for electrical/electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and for chemical and biological sensor development.

Ø Microfabricated from 100 nm magnetron sputter-deposited gold (Au), e-gun vapor-deposited platinum (Pt), or conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) on an electronics grade borosilicate glass, these devices are supplied in two disc diameters. A 500nm thin silicon nitride layer is applied over the conductor and is microlithographically windowed using reactive ion etching to reveal a precisely patterned window to the metal beneath and a bonding pad. SDEs are avalable as un-packaged die.

Ø SDE chips of gold, platinum or ITO are available with 0.357 cm diameter (A=0.10 cm²) or 0.0357 cm diameter (A=0.01cm² ) discs.

Ø In research and product development, these devices are widely used for electrochemical, bio-electrochemical, biofuel cell, electrical and electrochemical impedacne spectroscopy.

 

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Ø As a capacitance probe during the deposition or cure of an organic thin film or polymer e.g. Films based on Langmuir-Blodgett thin film deposition or cure of an epoxy.

Ø In modern microelectrochemistry -- as generator and collector electrodes in electrochemical amplification or in the performance of electroanalysis in high impedance environments. The microdisc electrode format allows accommodates radial diffusion .

Ø In conductimetry studies. To determine the conductance of low conductivity media and in conductimetric titrations.

Ø In coatings research and development. For example, to study the transport of water into and through a coating or to study the physical aging of the polymer upon environmental exposure or accelerated aging.

Ø The chip may be immersed in organic, or aqueous medium to a level above the geometric area occupied by microdiscs.

Ø Electrical contact is made via the bonding pad provided on one end of the long aqxis of the chip. Bonding may be via low temperatre soldering (650-700 C), conductive epoxy,

For further information, request Application Notes or you may download application note files:

Single Disc Electrodes (SDE^TM) is the tradename for a family of devices developed by ABTECH. Also called microelectrodes, these devices are microfabricated (using microelectronics fabrication techniques) to form patterns of conductors deposited on an insulating substrate chip.