Electrothermal analysis of a smart sensor for water decontamination

This Master's thesis investigates the electrothermal performance of robust electrodes for an intelligent sensor designed for the thermal elimination of microplastics and organic pollutants via calcination. The electrodes were fabricated using thermal vapor deposition, photolithography, and nickel electroplating to reduce resistance. Numerical simulations (COMSOL Multiphysics) were used to predict thermal distribution, and direct temperature measurements were conducted with thermocouples under DC voltage. Results showed that the electrodes successfully reached temperatures exceeding 300 °C with low power consumption. While prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures led to substrate degradation, the electrodes are viable for the calcination of organic contaminants requiring up to 150 °C, maintaining device integrity. The developed simulation model accurately predicts thermal behavior, proving a useful tool for future optimization. Challenges in electroplating uniformity were identified, suggesting areas for process refinement. This work contributes to the development of integrated, reusable solutions for environmental remediation.