Demonstration of a Unique Nanotube-Based Arsenic Detector

The objective of this Phase I effort is to demonstrate an innovative nanotube sensor capable of identifying and quantifying the concentrations of arsenic in water using a unique, low-cost, and robust nanotube sensor configuration. This proposal will discuss bench top experiments already performed that verify the potential of this patentable approach. The Phase I work plan includes complete experiments to verify the ability to detect and quantify arsenic both alone and in a mixture with water. This Phase I effort will establish that the proposed sensor has improved detection capability when compared to current technologies, and it will also demonstrate the robustness of the sensor design, the rapid response and warm-up times, and the ability to rapidly recover from decompression. Successful completion of this Phase I effort will result in the demonstration of a high-sensitivity robust arsenic sensor with numerous dual use applications. This Phase I proposal contains complete details on this unique sensor as well as a technical discussion of the proof of concept experiments that have already been preformed to date. Objectives for the Phase II effort are also included.