ConquerIons

‘The Smaller the Better for Ion detection. ConquerIons is developing pioneering ion sensing concepts using nanomembranes towards next-generation high-performance nanosensors for a variety of applications.’

ConquerIons is seeking a definitive solution for the detection of ions in real scenarios by innovatively addressing the limitations of traditional ion-sensing concepts in terms of effectiveness, sensitiveness, robustness and downscaled platforms. The project combines efforts from the synthetic chemistry, material science, nanoscience, electrochemistry and analytical chemistry disciplines resulting in a universal concept for the reliable detection of ions. ConquerIons is based on a research approach carefully designed mainly considering the following challenges: (i) the use of novel materials to afford a robust and universal detection; (ii) the implementation of thin-layer concepts to achieve reduced limits of detection and calibration-free methodology; (iii) the translation of the developed concepts to the single-entity; and (iv) exploitation of sensors from the laboratory context based on relevant cases as the next step towards the final use as daily smart informers operating in real scenarios. This latter purpose will lead to a series of extraordinary analytical applications from a long-term perspective related to very distinct fields, such as cell-scale therapies and speciation of trace ion levels in environmental analysis.