Highly sensitive and fast anion-selective InN quantum dot electrochemical sensors

Epitaxial InN quantum dots (QDs) are demonstrated as ion-selective electrode for potentiometric anion concentration measurements. The sensor reveals high sensitivity above 90 mV/decade for the detection of chlorine and hydroxyl ions in sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium chloride (CaCl2), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions. The response time is less than two seconds after which the signal is very stable and repeatable. The sensitivity for the InN QDs is about two times that for a reference InN thin film and the response time is about five times shorter. In pH buffer solutions the sensor reveals no clear response to cations. A model is presented for the high sensitivity, fast response, and ion selectivity based on the unique electronic properties of the InN surface together with the zero-dimensional nature of the QDs. © 2013 The Japan Society of Applied Physics.