Jump to main content.

Research Project Search
 Enter Search Term:
   
 NCER Advanced Search

Portable Trace Metal Detection System Based on Disposable Multi-Element Nanoband Electrode Sensors

EPA Contract Number: 68D70033
Title: Portable Trace Metal Detection System Based on Disposable Multi-Element Nanoband Electrode Sensors
Investigators: Saban, Stevan B.
Small Business: EDTEK Inc.
EPA Contact: Manager, SBIR Program
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1997 through March 1, 1998
Project Amount: $69,979
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1996)
Research Category: Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration , SBIR - Monitoring and Analysis

Description:

This Phase I project involves the development of a portable system for the analysis of trace metals in aqueous solutions based on an innovative disposable multi-element nanoband electrode sensor. The system will be capable of real-time detection of a variety of heavy metals in aqueous solutions, including Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Hg with a 100 ppb detection limit. The system also will be capable of sub-ppb detection limits with measurement times of 2 minutes or less. For the Phase I effort, EDTEK will develop and test a prototype sensing system based on disposable multi-element nanoband electrode array sensors fabricated using Masked Ion Beam Lithography. This technique, which is capable of producing electrodes with dimensions of 70 nm, also is ideal for the low-cost production of sensors with sub-micron dimensions. In addition to electrode fabrication, supporting electronics and software will be designed and constructed to take advantage of the unique characteristics of these novel sensors. The commercial applications for a low-cost, portable trace metal analysis include chemical process monitoring, process monitoring for plating baths, wastewater remediation, well water characterization, and field assessment of contaminated sites.

Supplemental Keywords:

small business, SBIR, monitoring, engineering, chemistry. , Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Toxics, Water, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Chemical Engineering, HAPS, Mercury, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry and Materials Science, Contaminant Candidate List, 33/50, Monitoring/Modeling, Environmental Monitoring, Engineering, heavy metals, portable detection system, chromium & chromium compounds, aqueous solution, Cadmium Compounds, real-time monitoring, detection system, lead & lead compounds, mercury & mercury compounds, Zinc, Chromium Compounds, detect, Mercury Compounds, real time

Top of page

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

Local Navigation

Jump to main content.