System and method for detection of mercury

US9921182B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• ALVEO Technologies, Inc. · US
• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Sumita Pennathur · Goleta, US
• Peter Crisalli · Mountain View, US
• Ronald Phillip Chiarello · Los Gatos, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 6, 2014
• Grant date: Mar 20, 2018
• Expiry date: May 27, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N27/06
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Embodiments provide mercury detection systems and methods for detecting the presence of mercury ions in one or more samples. In a detection method, a sample and TPET2 molecules are introduced into a channel. A first potential difference is applied across the length of the channel in a first direction, and a first electrical property value is detected. Subsequently, a second potential difference is applied across the length of the channel in a second opposite direction, and a second electrical property value is detected. Presence or absence of mercury ions in the channel is determined based on a comparison between the first and second electrical property values.