Nanotechnology-Enhanced Sensor for Toxic Industrial Chemicals

Toxic industrial chemicals (TICS) include widespread substances, such as ammonia, chlorine, and hydrogen cyanide. In order to help DOD with its efforts to detect TICS in military operations, Sensorcon is proposing to integrate carbon nanotubes (CNT) into its micro electrochemical sensors (MECS) by means of a highly scalable process. MECS is a new platform sensor technology that is smaller, less expensive, and more rugged than traditional electrochemical sensors. CNT-enhanced MECS will have enhanced sensitivities that are at least 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than the leading commercial sensors. This will enable the detection of some TICS in the PPT-PPB range, which is highly desirable for urban combat scenarios, where a threat may exist in a nearby vehicle. In Phase I, the processing techniques will be developed to create & test CNT-enhanced MECS. Phase II will refine the process and incorporate additional nanomaterials for further enhanced performance. Testing will focus on TICS of DOD interest, with an initial focus on comparative tests with chlorine & nitrogen dioxide sensors.