Microscale pH regulation by splitting water.
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ABSTRACT: We present a simple, flexible approach for pH regulation in micro-chambers by injecting controllable amounts of protons and hydroxide ions via field-enhanced dissociation of water molecules. Under a DC voltage bias, the polymeric bipolar membranes integrated in microfluidics devices generate and separate H(+) and OH(-) ions without gas production or contaminant generation resulting from electron-transfer reactions. Robust local on-chip pH and pH gradients are sustained with no need of additional acidic∕basic solutions that dilute analyte concentrations. The method could provide a better strategy for pH control in microfluidics.
SUBMITTER: Cheng LJ
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3223509 | biostudies-other | 2011 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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