Operando Multimodal Electrochemical Analysis

Operando Multimodal Electrochemical Analysis

At the PRĀNA Lab, we have developed a next‑generation microfluidic sensing platform that brings together multiple electrochemical techniques including impedance spectroscopy, voltammetry and amperometry to deliver real‑time, high‑resolution insight into chemical identity, reaction dynamics and interfacial processes under continuous flow and load. By operating these modalities simultaneously in a single microfluidic device, we can observe how complex chemical systems evolve without interrupting the reaction or perturbing the sample. 

To extend our platform’s versatility, we embed a microelectrode array and a porous membrane soaked in ionic liquid (IL) directly within the microchannel. This “membrane–IL” module combines the high ion‑solvating power of ILs with our multi‑modal electrochemical toolkit to detect gases and tuning interfacial properties in real time.

Our Approach

Microfluidic Integration

A custom‑designed channel and membrane mimic allow precise control of flow rate, shear stress and mass transport, while supporting seamless electrical interfacing.

Multi‑Modal Sensing

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS): Probes interfacial charge transfer, double‑layer formation and diffusion processes across a broad frequency spectrum.

Cyclic Voltammetry (CV): Maps redox potentials and reaction kinetics by sweeping potential and measuring current response in real time.

Pulsed Voltammetry: Enhances sensitivity to surface‑confined species via tailored potential pulses, enabling trace‑level detection.

Chronoamperometry: Records current transients following potential steps to quantify reaction rates and adsorption/desorption dynamics.

Key Capabilities

Operando Measurement: All techniques run in concert under native fluidic and mechanical conditions, preserving the true behavior of the system.

High Temporal & Spatial Resolution: Millisecond‑scale sampling and micron‑scale electrode architectures capture fast, localized events.

Versatility: Compatible with aqueous and non‑aqueous chemistries, biological fluids and engineered membrane systems.

Scalability: Modular design supports parallelization for high‑throughput screening and arrayed sensing.

Applications & Impact

• Biosensing & Diagnostics: Label‑free detection of biomarkers, pathogens and biofoulants in complex samples.
• Membrane Science: Real‑time monitoring of fouling, filtration efficiency and surface modification in membrane‑based separations.
• Fundamental Electrochemistry: Mechanistic studies of redox reactions, electrode degradation and interfacial phenomena.
• Energy & Catalysis: Operando analysis of electrocatalytic processes, battery interfaces and corrosion under flow.

By uniting these complementary electrochemical techniques in a single, microfluidically‑driven platform, our operando multimodal sensor opens new avenues for understanding and ultimately controlling the behaviors of chemical and biological systems in their native environments.