A novel 3D-printed flow cell design for replacing electrochemical sensors in operando

This innovation represents the first example of a flow cell constructed for printed electrochemical sensor replacement in operando, without interrupting the flow process and dissassembling the entire system. The system enables electrochemical detection and semicontinuous monitoring of substances which, due to their adsorption on or destruction of the electrode surface, cannot be monitored continuously. The 3D-printed flow cell is modular, allowing assembly of a system with a reaction space volume adjusted as needed. The key part of this invention is the sensor mask, assembled from two parts: an upper, rigid cover which seals the reaction space during the sensor exchange; and a lower, flexible holder which enables sensor replacement. This system enables monitoring of processes such as photodegradation or flow synthesis, and due to very small sample losses, it is suitable for processes that use costly reagents or synthesize expensive products.