Electrochemical detection of single attoliter aqueous droplets in electrolyte-free organic solvent via collision events

Abstract

We report the electrochemical detection of single water droplets in an electrolyte-free organic solvent by collision events using a platinum ultramicroelectrode (Pt-UME). Water droplet emulsions were prepared by the ultrasonication of an organic solvent (e.g., dichloroethane) and an aqueous solution containing hydroquinone (H(2)Q) as the redox species and MgSO4 as an emulsion stabilizer as well as the supporting electrolyte. Under the appropriate potentials, we could observe single water droplet collision phenomena at the Pt-UME by amperometric current-time (I-t) measurements. Water droplets that established contact with the Pt-UME led to amperometric current spikes due to the instantaneous electrolysis of the constituent redox species. The concentration of H(2)Q in the emulsion was adjusted to confirm that the amperometric spike resulted from the electrochemical reaction in the water droplet. As the concentration of H(2)Q increased, the oxidation peak current increased. The size and contact area of the water droplets were also estimated. Based on these single droplet collision results, we could successfully establish a facile water droplet detection system in an organic solvent without the addition of a hydrophobic organic electrolyte. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.