The monitoring of potassium in agricultural and environmental contexts is crucial for sustainable farming practices and pollution control. This study explores a preliminary method for potassium ion sensing by exploiting electrochemical sensors enhanced by different interface materials, including Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs), Poly(3,4-Ethylene DiOxyThiophene) (PEDOT), and Poly(3,4Ethylene DiOxytThiophene): Poly(Syrene Sulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS). Fabrication was achieved using Aerosol Jet Printing (AJP), a state-of-the-art technique that enables precise, reproducible, and scalable deposition on flexible substrates. Profilometric and microscopic analyses verified the uniformity of the deposited layers, and potentiometric evaluations confirmed the sensors' effectiveness in detecting potassium ions, a critical nutrient in fertilizers but also a potential environmental pollutant in excessive concentrations. In addition, a PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) membrane with a maximum height of 1.17 μm was preliminarily deposited in order to further optimize the sensitive layer. Through experimental evaluation, MWCNTs-based sensors showed superior sensitivity (74.63 mV/dec) and short-term stability, outperforming the other materials. These preliminary results highlight the potential of potassium sensors fabricated with AJP and optimized interface materials for real-time, in situ monitoring in soil and water systems. This research paves the way for advanced, field-ready sensors that can support precision agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Preliminary Study on Electrochemical Sensors for Ion Detection in Agriculture and Environment by Aerosol Jet Printing
Polidori G.;Mahraoui S.;Sardini E.;Serpelloni M.
2025-01-01
Abstract
The monitoring of potassium in agricultural and environmental contexts is crucial for sustainable farming practices and pollution control. This study explores a preliminary method for potassium ion sensing by exploiting electrochemical sensors enhanced by different interface materials, including Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs), Poly(3,4-Ethylene DiOxyThiophene) (PEDOT), and Poly(3,4Ethylene DiOxytThiophene): Poly(Syrene Sulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS). Fabrication was achieved using Aerosol Jet Printing (AJP), a state-of-the-art technique that enables precise, reproducible, and scalable deposition on flexible substrates. Profilometric and microscopic analyses verified the uniformity of the deposited layers, and potentiometric evaluations confirmed the sensors' effectiveness in detecting potassium ions, a critical nutrient in fertilizers but also a potential environmental pollutant in excessive concentrations. In addition, a PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) membrane with a maximum height of 1.17 μm was preliminarily deposited in order to further optimize the sensitive layer. Through experimental evaluation, MWCNTs-based sensors showed superior sensitivity (74.63 mV/dec) and short-term stability, outperforming the other materials. These preliminary results highlight the potential of potassium sensors fabricated with AJP and optimized interface materials for real-time, in situ monitoring in soil and water systems. This research paves the way for advanced, field-ready sensors that can support precision agriculture, and environmental sustainability.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
