Aerosol Collectors for Microsensors

The proposed work will identify the strategies for collecting aerosols and their delivery to analysis by small sensors and sensor arrays. These techniques would apply for analysis by multiple sensor platforms as well as stand-alone collection devices. The main objective is to develop a set of modular devices for collecting aerosols in size range of 0.1-10Āmm and delivering collected analytes to the detector compatible with the microsensor concept. The modular collector approach would allow adjusting of the "base" design by adding capability required by specific sensor technologies, e.g., varying particle sizes, sensor working fluid (gas, aqueous eluent, solvents), and the principle of operation. The concepts described in the tasks will be based on utilizing components designed to be produced close to the point of need using advanced manufacturing techniques. Additive manufacturing techniques (e.g., 3D printing) will be used in the prototype stages. The final designs will be compatible with high-volume fabrication methods to reduce cost and increase the reliability of the devices. Arduino-based or Python code could be used to control the prototypes' operation. The use of non-proprietary hardware and software will enable rapid integration of microsensor modules and agile experimentation during development.