Projects / Programmes
Nanostructures and related composites for detection of hazardous gaseous molecules
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.09.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Electronic components and technologies |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T152 |
Technological sciences |
Composite materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
Nanotechnology, nano-composites, gas detector, toxic gas molecules
Researchers (12)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
The proposed project encompasses the research of 2D and 1D nanostructures for detection of special toxic and carcinogenic molecules relevant for industrial production and food quality. The research aims at development of new low cost gaseous sensor based on either vertically aligned nanowalls of graphene or entangled networks of carbon nanotubes or/and metal oxide nanowires. The applied structures are synthesized predominantly in plasmas. Moreover, these structures are upgraded for improved gas sensing with other nanoparticles and polymers or bonded into polymer-matrix composites. Substitutions and modifications of the crystalline structures is also foreseen through atom-by-atom substitutions using plasma surface modifications. The produced structures and sensing elements will be used for sensing of gaseous hydrocarbon molecules ranging from Hexane to Dodecane (and molecules like Toluene), and on targeted polar molecules DMF (Dimethyl formamide), HMPA (Hexamethylphosphoramide), DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide), Acrylamide and different Amines. Basic mechanisms of gas molecule detection will be determined and new sensors based on electrical measurements or colorimetric sensor arrays developed.
Significance for science
The aim of this project is research for a new cheaper gas sensor devices, which would enable the detection of gases which are highly toxic and carcinogenic. The purpose is detection of toxic substances which are extensively used in industries (DMF, DMSO, HMPA, etc.) and those which could be produced inside the food materials with ageing (various amines). This main effort is development of sensors which indicate the quality of food and air visibly to the consumers or industrial workers which has great concern on a healthy society. Today, methods for controlling these substances employ rather expensive and not widely accessible methods. The research carried out developed a new 2D vertically aligned graphene nanostructures and plasma synthesized nanowires, which are built as gas sensing elements. The important improvement of knowledge is explanation how 2D structures edges influence sensing abilities as well as selectivity for selected toxic molecules. The same principle is implemented for detection of targeted molecules through modifications of nanostructure crystallinity or functionalization of polymers. In this respect, plasma processing of surfaces enables such modifications. Furthermore the project merged also different nanomaterials into hybrid structures for improvement of gas sensing capabilities of molecules in gases as well as in liquids. All studies encompassed in this respect are considered leading in gas sensor element design. Moreover for many of selected gases no efficient or even no sensor has been developed yet.
Significance for the country
The project is of exceptional importance for Slovenia, because it deals with new products and technologies as well as development of the new high-tech products. The project is focused on development of reasonable low cost gas sensor devices, which would enable the detection of toxic gases which are highly toxic and carcinogenic. The development of such gas sensor would lead to safer food and better protected work environment. This sensor segment offers a simple solution which doesn’t require demanding analysis methods and protocols for determination of targeted toxic molecules, which present threats in our daily life. The development of such gas sensors would find its place in future homes, cars, working environment and food control.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2014,
2015,
final report
