Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Catalysis is a key factor behind sensor development and upgrading, which have applications in the environmental monitoring domain, medical diagnostics, and control of industrial processes. Electrochemical sensors measure the electrical response resulting from a chemical reaction on the sensor surface. Catalysts enhance these reactions, allowing electrochemical sensors to function with high sensitivity, selectivity, and efficiency.

Catalytic materials are integrated into electrochemical sensors to accelerate reactions necessary for detecting target molecules in gases, ions, or biological markers. For instance, metal oxide nanoparticles are commonly used in various gas sensors. Platinum and gold nanoparticles enable the detection of trace levels of toxic pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). These catalytic materials facilitate fast and precise chemical reactions, allowing sensors to detect harmful substances at trace levels. This capability is essential for industrial safety systems and real-time air quality monitoring.

In medical applications, electrochemical sensors supported by catalysis are widely used, particularly in glucose monitors, which play a crucial role in managing diabetes. Sensors with the enzymatic catalyst glucose oxidase can precisely measure glucose levels in blood samples. The electrical signal generated by the interaction between glucose and the enzyme on the sensor surface directly reflects blood glucose concentration. This viable and quick detection is essential for patients requiring constant glucose monitoring to maintain their health.

Catalysis is also instrumental in developing biosensors used to detect pathogens, toxins, and other biological markers. Biosensors leverage specific enzymes or nanomaterials as catalysts to detect biological compounds rapidly and accurately. These biosensors play significant roles in medical diagnostics, food safety, and the control of environmental toxins. Catalytic component-based biosensors are also applied to detect contaminants in water supplies, ensuring the safety of drinking water.