In my research work(2 month duration), I covered concepts to be used for develop

ing paper based glucose sensors. The topics I studied include:-

1. Debye Huckel Theory used to estimate non-ideality(activity coefficient) of so
lution: The theory assumes non-ideality only due to coulombic attraction and sph
erical and unpolarizable ions. Using Poisson Boltzmann Equation excess free ener
gy is estimated which is used to calculate activity coefficient.
2. Relation between conductivity and concentration: Relaxation and electrophoret
ic effect are the key causes of deviation from conductivity at infinite dilution
(calculated by balancing viscous drag with electric force). The resultant of the
se effects along with viscous drag is used to derive Debye-Huckel-Onsager Equati
on. Qualitative study of model given by Fuoss-Onsager in 1957 which also onsider
ed cross-term of above effects and superimposed each effect to get total deviati
on in conductivity.
3. Preparation of Graphene ink: Graphene preparation methods like Epitaxial grow
th on SiC, CVD using Hydrocarbons and substrate having low C solubility whose la
ttice matched with that of Graphene like Cu to produce high mobility graphene, C
hemical Method- producing Graphene Oxide and then reducing to give reduced Graph
ene Oxide: produces lower conductivity graphene, and Direct sonication of graphi
te(small size graphene flakes resulting in more boundaries and hence higher resi
stivity)
Graphene is best dissolved in solvents having similar surface tension graphene l
ike NMP, DMF and Cyclopropanol. But it can fairly dissolve in aquous solvents by
adding detergents. Solvent Exchange is the method I liked the most as is gives
good concentration of Graphene in non-toxic solvents(unlike NMP)
4. Marcus Theory of Electron Transfer to first derive rate constant for outer sp
here electron transfer and then extending it to heterogeneous electron transfer(
electron transfer from electrode to electrolyte solution). The rate expression f
ollows Boltzmann distribution with activation energy involving reorganizational(
concerning solvent and vibration) enegry and gibb's free energy of reaction.
5. Mediated Electron Transfer in Glucose-Oxidase enzyme which eliminates need of
dissolved oxygen in blood to reoxidize glucose oxidase enzyme after it oxidizes
glucose. Mediators like ferrocene derivatives and wired enzyme electrodes were
studied(electrodes which are attached to redox active site in glucose oxidase us
ing polymer molecules)