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Development of an all-diamond conductivity sensor for aquatic environments
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Simcox, Lee J. (2019) Development of an all-diamond conductivity sensor for aquatic environments. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.
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WRAP_Theses_Simcox_2019.pdf - Submitted Version - Requires a PDF viewer. Download (15Mb) | Preview |
Official URL: http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b3494973~S15
Abstract
Solution conductivity sensors are widely used in industrial and research settings to make measurements across the wide range of conductivities found in aqueous solutions. However, in many natural aquatic environments, direct contact with solution means that exposed sensor electrodes are susceptible to surface fouling, mechanical wear, or corrosion. This thesis explores the development of a synthetic all-diamond conductivity sensor, comprised of conducting diamond electrodes encapsulated in an insulating diamond substrate. Due to the extreme chemical robustness of diamond it opens up application in more challenging corrosive, abrasive, and natural aquatic environments. The capability of the sensor as a working device allowing accurate measurements of solution conductivity with simultaneous temperature measurement is demonstrated herein through validation in a laboratory environment. In addition, progression from laboratory to simulated environments occurs by the assessment of the performance of the all-diamond conductivity sensor in both an environmental natural river water system as well as a pilot test rig suitable for industrial application.
For long-term measurement in such natural aquatic applications, biofouling is a major issue faced by sensors as it often causes deterioration in stability and performance. Therefore, the biofouling properties of conducting diamond in relation to microbial biofilm formation were investigated, and found to be a low biofouling material when compared to other common electrode and packaging materials. Clearly, this has favourable implication when utilising this material as a sensing electrode in real-world aquatic environments.
In summary, this thesis explores not only the development and application of a synthetic all-diamond conductivity sensor, but also provides a greater understanding of conducting diamond electrodes for real-world sensor applications. Moreover, the work discussed herein demonstrates the capacity for long term in situ placement of an all-diamond conductivity sensor for monitoring in a range of aquatic environments.
Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) | ||||
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Subjects: | T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering |
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Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Detectors -- Materials, Diamonds -- Electric properties, Fouling -- Prevention | ||||
Official Date: | December 2019 | ||||
Dates: |
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Institution: | University of Warwick | ||||
Theses Department: | Molecular Analytical Science Centre for Doctoral Training | ||||
Thesis Type: | PhD | ||||
Publication Status: | Unpublished | ||||
Supervisor(s)/Advisor: | Macpherson, Julie V. | ||||
Format of File: | |||||
Extent: | xxii, 274 leaves : illustrations (some colour) | ||||
Language: | eng |
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