A Method Of Ionization on a 2D-nanostructured Surface

Technology: 2D-nanostructured-MoS2-coated paper surface

Industry: Chemical, Pharmaceutical;

Applications: Standard coated Paper for detecting alcohol in breath;

Market: The global coated paper market is projected to grow, at a CAGR of 4.5% during (2023-2030).

Generally, mass spectrometry has been used for a century as an analytical technique to study materials & ionization is the primary step in mass spectrometric analysis.
There are many ion sources discussed in the prior arts literature like carbon nano tubes, 1D nano structures, thermospray, sonic spray & etc. However, said ion sources is not able to produce ion without external energy with other issues.
Hence, there is a need to address the issues & present invention provides the solution in efficient manner.

Present patent claimed a method of ionization on a 2D-nanostructured surface.
Said method comprises the steps of:
fabricating a 2D-nanostructured-MoS2-coatedpaper surface
placing two silver contacts on top of the nanostructured surface & is connected to a picoammeter; &
flowing protic solvents containing analytes over the nanostructured surface;
The nanostructured surface is kept at an inclined angle for free flowing of the solvents to induce a dipole-dipole interaction leading to the dissociation of solvent molecules.
The anions of the dissociated molecules move with the flow resulting in charge separation, & the movement of these negatively charged ions generate an electrokinetic current for ionizing analyte molecules, without any external power source.

Technical Perspective:

Proposed method facilitates 2D-nanostructured-MoS2-coated paper surface which is fabricated as a breath alcohol sensor by flowing acetone over the nanostructured surface & blowing an alcoholic breath to generate an electrokinetic current due to ionized alcohol, wherein current generated over a 1×1 mm2 nanostructured surface is 1.3 A/m2.

The magnitude of the current varies depending on the concentration of alcohol present in the vapor.

Industrial Perspective:

The 2D-nanostructured-MoS2-coated paper surface detects uric acid levels in body fluids when raw urine sample is flown over the nanostructured surface.
Provide a 2D-MoS2-coated paper-based disposable sensor for detecting alcohol in breath.

Prof. Pradeep T

Department of Chemistry

TRL – 4

Technology validated in lab scale.

Technology Transfer