SBIR Phase I: Nanofabricated Gas Chromatography Column-Oven System

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will fabricate a nanostructured, palm-size gas chromatography (GC) for the in-situ, and low cost analysis of volatile chemicals. Gas chromatography has been widely used as an analytical instrument for volatile organic compounds. The existing GC instruments, including the portable ones, have inherent limitations that make them unsuitable for the continuous, on-line/in-situ monitoring applications. The proposed program will design and demonstrate a nanotechnology-based miniature GC to detect, identify, and quantify chemical pollutants. The proof of principle demonstration is based on an EPA furnished test matrix. The miniature GC is expected to be pocket sized, low power (1-5 W), low cost (< $500/unit) and low maintenance. In addition to the EPA environmental monitoring applications, the miniature GC has a variety of other applications for DOD, NASA, and other government agencies involve in chemical warning medicine, homeland security, and demilitarization and treaty verification.