Photocurable polymers for ion selective field effect transistors. 20 years of applications.

Application of photocurable polymers for encapsulation of ion selective field effect transistors (ISFET) and for membrane formation in chemical sensitive field effect transistors (ChemFET) during the last 20 years is discussed. From a technological point of view these materials are quite interesting because they allow the use of standard photo-lithographic processes, which reduces significantly the time required for sensor encapsulation and membrane deposition and the amount of manual work required for this, all items of importance for sensor mass production. Problems associated with the application of this kind of polymers in sensors are analysed and estimation of future trends in this field of research are presented.

Monitoring of bentonite pore water with a probe based on solid-state microsensors.

Repositories for the disposal of radioactive waste generally rely on a multi-barrier system to isolate the waste from the biosphere. This multi-barrier system typically comprises the natural geological barrier provided by the repository host rock and its surroundings and an engineered barrier system (EBS). Bentonite is being studied as an appropriated porous material for an EBS to prevent or delay the release and transport of radionuclides towards biosphere.