High Performance Low Power Electrochemical CO2 Gas Sensor

The overall success of future carbon cycle management will depend in part on reliable carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring to support carbon cycle measurements. This SBIR Phase I proposal addresses development of an advanced, amperometric CO2 sensing technology that combines novel electrochemical electrolytes and a new screen-printed gas sensing device to provide a unique, low cost, low power, high performance tool to support carbon cycle management. Such an alternative technology to more costly instrumental approaches does not exist at this time. The new amperometric gas sensor proposed here will provide a new tool for qualitative, quantitative and spatial measurement and mapping of CO2 in the air. The design of the amperometric device will allow CO2 concentration changes to be identified reliably in the presence of typical ambient background CO2 levels. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: New, improved CO2 monitoring methods with reduced production cost and improved sensitivity will provide measurement alternatives in a variety of fields. Technology that supports carbon cycle measurements will also benefit the nascent CO2 sequestration industry with long term efficacy evidence and liability protection. The new, low cost, low power, high performance sensor will benefit a variety of customers that rely on CO2 measurements, including the food and beverage, medical diagnostics, ventilation control systems and indoor air quality monitoring.