Nanomaterials Based Gas Sensor for ISRU Process Contaminants

NASA is seeking instruments for monitoring in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) process gases. To address this need, InnoSense LLC (ISL), in collaboration with the University of Virginia (UVA), proposes an innovative process gas monitoring (PROMON(TM))nbsp;device. PROMON builds on ISLrsquo;s proprietary single‑walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) ndash; based interdigitated electrode (IDE) devices. This sensor platform would be functionalized with novel intermetallic nanoparticles as the key sensing element for H2S contaminant monitoring in this project. In Phase I, ISL will validate the proof-of-principle establishing that PROMON is compliant with NASA requirements with respect to sensor resolution, sensitivity, selectivity and durability. During Phase II, ISL will: (1) further optimize the sensor chemistry and develop the artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for effective and selective detection of H2S, (2) rigorously-test and validate the sensor in simulated stream for selected ISRU process upon discussion with the technical monitor (TM), (3) construct a ruggedized sensor prototype for functional demonstration, (4) demonstrate the expandability of the PROMON platform toward other contaminants such as HCl and/or HF, and (5) collaborate with a corresponding NASA ISRU developer to establish a roadmap toward a real-time, on-line, and continuous monitoring of a fully integrated system.nbsp;