Refractometric Porous Polymeric Ammonia Sensor

Ammonia, the primary atmospheric base, plays a crucial role in: (1) determining the acid-neutralizing capacity of tropospheric air masses; and (2) in the nucleation, growth, composition, and chemistry of aerosol particles, which are linked with environmental degradation and human health problems. Fast measurement of ammonia is rated as the highest DOE measurement priority, because it is critical to advancing the understanding of aerosol evolution and to supporting a strategy of sustainable and pollution-free energy. This project will develop a low-cost, highly sensitive, refractometric, porous, polymeric ammonia sensor for airborne-based field campaigns. The new sensor will measure ammonia quickly and cost effectively in real time. Phase I will determine the technical feasibility through computer modeling of major device components and through the analysis of physical processes within the complex device. The engineering foundation for the full-scale development of the optical sensor, along with related polymer coating technolgies, will be established. A hardware protype will be built to demonstrate feasibility. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: Commercial applications would include leak detectors for nature gas and industrial refrigeration facilities, and monitors for measuring ammonia in smokestack emissions. The proposed new sensor also could be adapted for such applications as air monitoring, homeland defense, smart-building monitoring, water quality and enviromental monitoring, food safety, process monitoring, and medical diagnostics.