Specialists from Penza State University (PSU) have presented the first samples of gas sensors based on metal-oxide nanomaterials with a controlled structure. The technology allows creating sensors with specified characteristics - from household devices to industrial safety systems. The development is supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation.
The sensitive elements of the sensors are formed by the sol-gel synthesis method with a combination of solutions of different aging times. Small particles in the material structure provide high sensitivity, and large particles optimize the response time. Additional introduction of metal modifiers (for example, palladium or platinum) allows for more precise adjustment of the sensor properties.
By mixing sols with different degrees of maturity and adding modifiers, we control the structure of the material. This makes it possible to "tailor" the sensor to a specific task: for example, low cost is important for household gas analyzers, and ultra-sensitivity to methane is important for mines
The sensors demonstrate a speed 2-3 times higher than analogues, which is critical for the rapid detection of explosive gas leaks. In industry, they can be integrated into monitoring systems for mines, oil storage facilities and chemical plants. In everyday life, they can be used in smart homes to control carbon monoxide or in kitchen hoods.
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