School of Science
Ultrafast Detection of Toxic and Hazardous Gases
Hand-held, inexpensive, rapid and in-situ sensor calibration and multiple gas detection with a single device.
Description:
The current gas measurement solutions are predominantly of three types: electrochemical (EC), metal oxide frameworks (MOFs) and spectroscopic (SP) solutions. The EC solutions are inexpensive and less energy consuming, but generally suffer from electrode fouling and require frequent troubleshoot or electrode replacement. MOF solutions are portable and inexpensive; however, these are mainly single gas specific. The SP solutions pose the prospect of wide range of gas detection with a single device; however, existing SP solutions are energy consuming, expensive and not portable, and we haven’t observed a SP based multiple gas sensor to date. In this project, we will be developing a chemometric approach of gas sensing that incorporates a palmtop miniature integrating sphere capable to measure wide range of toxic and hazardous gases in ultraviolet, visible and infrared wavelength regions. Our proposed SP-based solution will be inexpensive (less than $3000 Australian Dollars), portable (less than 1000 gm of weight), minimal energy consuming (15 V battery driven) and capable to measure multiple gases selectively. Our proposed technology will be suitable for indoor and outdoor use simultaneously. Additionally, it will not require any tedious laboratory based calibration which will have a combined influence on its unit cost, if commercialised. The successful demonstration of a portable, simple and inexpensive solution for multiple gas detection with a single device capable to avert false positive signals will be very useful for defence personnels particularly those who are involved in explosive ordnance storage and remediation facilities where traces of toxic gases might occur.
Supervisor(s):
Desired Background:
Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Sciences not specified elsewhere, Physics and Electronics.
School
Research Area
Experimental Chemistry | Values in Defence & Security Technology