Development of sputtered nanocarbon film-based electrodes with extended analyte zones

Electrochemical measurement methods are a way to detect the analytes by measuring the current or potential on an electrode interface during a redox reaction. The electrochemical method is expected to be an easy and inexpensive way to test water quality; however, substances which can be detected by the method have been limited due to the narrow measurable potential range and insufficient sensitivity for trace substances. Using a nanocarbon film precisely designed, Dr. Kato has developed “sputtered nanocarbon film-based electrodes”. This electrode design enables the high-sensitivity detection of (bio)molecules such as nucleic-acid bases, antioxidants such as vitamin E, and arsenic ion. These materials are difficult to measure with conventional electrodes. His study has expanded the possibility of the use of electrochemical methods and is expected to be applied to many practical measurement devices. These could find application in various fields such as drinks, foods, environmental and biochemical substances. The new electrode attracts attention as a possible candidate for standardization of quantitation methods for the substances which are difficult to detect at conventional electrode.