LTCC meso-analytical system for chloride ion determination in drinking waters

The low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology is introduced as an excellent alternative to silicon, glass or plastic materials for the fabrication of miniaturized analytical devices. This fabrication technology enables the generation of complex three-dimensional geometries, as well as the integration of sample pretreatment steps and even the detection system. The evaluation of an LTCC-made device which integrates a three-dimensional serpentine mixer and an ion selective electrode for the detection of Cl- ion was performed. Analytical features derived from calibration experiments were: slope = 59(±2) mV/dec, LLLR = 0.56 mM (20 ppm), r2 > 0.99; LOD = 0.16(±0.03) mM (6(±3) ppm), the R.S.D. (for n = 7 and 95% confidence) at 1.41 mM (50 ppm) Cl-, was 1.44%. Drinking water samples were analyzed by the LTCC system and results were compared with those obtained by capillary electrophoresis, showing no significant differences between both methods. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.