SiC-Microhotplate ConductometricSensor Array for NOx, CO, and Hydrocarbon Monitoring of Hot Engine Emissions

As the number of mobile source emissions in the United States increases, it is necessary to further reduce the emission of CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons from such sources to provide safe air quality, especially in urban environments. Significant reductions in pollution emissions can be achieved using advanced engine controls based on real-time measurements of CO, NOx, and hydrocarbon concentrations in the exhaust stream. Although a strategic need clearly exists for highly sensitive and selective CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons engine emission sensors, no currently available sensors are capable of operating in the high-temperature corrosive engine exhaust environment. Boston MicroSystems, Inc., proposes to develop a CO, NOx, and hydrocarbon engine emissions sensor capable of operating in hot engine exhaust gases for advanced engine emissions controls. In Phase I, Boston MicroSystems, Inc., will integrate its SiC microhotplate conductometric gas sensor platform with proprietary harsh environment-compatible electrical contacts and conductometric gas-sensitive films to demonstrate operation and stability in high-temperature, corrosive engine exhaust gases. Applications for high temperature-compatible CO, NOx, and hydrocarbon sensors include emissions and energy efficiency control of combustion systems (automotive, aeropropulsion, electrical generation), and industrial process control in the chemical and petrochemical industries.