Analysis of potentiostatic current transients at metal/liquid interfaces: resolving the effects of a finite step interval

Low-Cost High-Resolution Potentiostat for Electrochemical Detection of Nucleic Acids and Biomolecular Interactions

A handheld USB-powered instrument developed for the electrochemical detection of nucleic acids and biomolecular interactions is presented. The proposed instrument is capable of scanning ± 2.25 V while measuring currents up to ±10 mA, with a minimum current resolution of 6.87 pA. Therefore, it is suitable for nucleic acid sensors, which have high background currents. A low-cost microcontroller with an on-chip 16-bit analog-to-digital converter, 12-bit digital-to-analog converter, and a built-in USB controller were used to miniaturize the system. The offset voltages and gain errors of the analog peripherals were calibrated to obtain a superior performance. Thus, a similar performance to those of the market-leader potentiostats was achieved, but at a fraction of their cost and size. The performance of the application of this proposed architecture was tested successfully and was found to be similar to a leading commercial device through a clinical application in the aspects of the detection of nucleic acids, such as calf thymus ssDNA and dsDNA, and their interactions with a protein (BSA) by using single-use graphite electrodes in combination with the differential pulse voltammetry technique.

Deep Investigation Into the Electrodeposition Model of Mg Battery Anode

Analysis of nucleation/growth dynamics is important to understand the molecular mechanism on the electrode surface. The electrocrystallization mechanism of Mg anode in aqueous electrolyte was comprehensively investigated which can help us understand the surface discharge mechanism of Mg anode and provide a new theoretical idea for the development of high performance magnesium ion battery. The influence of applied potential signals on normal growth constant and active site numbers was studied using i-t transient curves. The dimensionless processed transient curves confirmed that the initial nucleation/growth process of Mg electrode in aqueous solution followed the diffusion-controlled three-dimensional instantaneous nucleation model.