ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH

The development of a low-cost reliable and long-life novel, electrochemical sensor with multigas sensing capability that can detect 10 ppb of toxic gases and vapors with a response time of 30 seconds is proposed. During phase I, we will develop an electrochemical amperometric sensor cell with a three electrode configuration using nonaqueous aprotic electrolyte solution. This nonaqueous electrolyte solution will assure shelf life, long operating life, and high selectivity. This sensor cell with conventional potentiostat and voltage scanning technique will be used to test for its performance in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, repeatability, and response time. Appropriate chemicals will be used as simulants for toxic gases. The sensor will be tested for its multigas sensing capability to detect and monitor toxic gases like hydrazine and its derivatives and organic vapors such as chloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride in low concentrations. These sensors are useful to the Air Force at Rocket Installations, Missile Sites, and Hazardous Waste Sites.