Development of Redox-Conducting Polymer Electrodes for Non-Gassing Electro-Osmotic Pumps: A Novel Approach

In an attempt to replace gassing metal electrodes, a new type of redox-conducting polymer electrodes for non-gassing electroosmotic pumps is developed. The work describes the application of a redox-conducting poly(hydroquinone/benzoquinone) electrode which was synthesized by cationic polymerization of benzoquinone and containing protic ceramic frit membranes. Laboratory made electro-osmotic pump was tested with developed polymer electrodes by varying different membrane thickness, applied voltage and flow-opposing (stall) pressure. As expected, with decrease in membrane thickness, flow-rate was observed to increase and the maximum flux per unit applied voltage was similar to 30.3 mu L. min(-1). cm(-2). V-1. The maximum stall pressure (at zero flow-rate) was similar to 10.0 kPa at 3.0 V with a membrane of 1.5 mm thick; stall pressure increased with increase in applied voltage. The maximum value of thermodynamic efficiency obtained was 0.16%. The pump could be operated continuously at 1.5 V and 3.0 V with flow rates of 4.0 +/- 1.0 and 14.0 +/- 1.0 mu L. min(-1), respectively. Obtained performance results vindicate the novel attempt of developing redox-conducting polymer for applications in microfluidic devices, such as insulin pumps used for diabetes management. (C) 2014 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.