New gas sensing materials with working temperature close to or at room temperature. - GasSensingMat-RT

Project summary

Needs to be addressed: Classical commercial gas sensors have high operating temperatures, up to ~ 500 °C, making an electrical power supply necessary. Plug-in to the electrical grid or a large battery pack, present strong limitations for field applications. By room temperature operation of the sensing material, gas detector devices can be made hand-held portable with a long standalone working time. Objectives: As specific innovation in this project we plan to improve and extend our knowledge on preparation of gas sensing nanocomposite materials operating at ambient temperature. As a challenge forward, we target here the propane and butane, components of the liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. Potential applications: Portable hand-held gas detectors for field applications, with long operating times powered by a usual battery. Impact and potential benefits: Flexibility to reach isolated sites, with no electricity grid; Huge economy on electrical energy; Improved safety for explosive gas.