Electrochemical pH Modulator

Technology      

The pH of the solution is controlled through the use of a complexation agent, which can either associate or dissociate with acidic or basic compounds depending on the electrical potential applied to it. The electrical potential is applied by way of an electrochemical reaction, where the agents can either be the electrodes themselves, or in the solution surrounding it. As a result, this creates a solution whose pH can be reversibly controlled, and the solution is then introduced into a neighboring reaction environment. The current technology also includes recommendations for several suitable complexation agents, and designs for the overall configuration of the electrodes, pH modulation zone and reaction zone. 

Problem Addressed   

Current methods of modulating the pH of a reaction environment include the addition of an acid or base into the reaction or enabling water hydrolysis by using a membrane. However, these methods tend to be imprecise and irreversible, and often require the constant replenishment of reagents. The current technology addresses these issues by allowing the pH to be controlled using an electrical potential.        

Advantages     

• Enables the precise control of pH in a chemical and biological reaction environment
• Enables a reversible change in pH
• Removes the need to constantly replenish acidic/basic agents