Project Title:

Miniature Oxygen Sensing Devices from Nanoceramics

  94-1	12.03	1354

  Miniature Oxygen Sensing Devices from Nanoceramics

Abstract:

Long duration space missions require extensive sensing and 
monitoring devices for oxygen. These devices need to be small. 
low weight. sensitive reliable. robust, and operational over a 
wide range of temperatures This program will demonstrate such a 
sensing device based on nanoceramic materials. Nanoceramics are 
a broad new class of materials with unprecedented 
microstructures and properties. The uniqueness of these 
materials lies in the fact that the have been artificially 
modulated on scales less than 100 nm. The nanoscale modulation 
bestows nanoceramics with interface properties tailored to the 
molecular scale (i.e. with maximum efficiency per molecule 
used). Such interface engineering has created an unprecedented 
opportunity to design and commercialize miniature oxygen sensing 
device. Nanomaterials Research Corporation will develop and 
demonstrate these devices through this program. 
The program's technical approach is to synthesize a nanoceramic 
(our focus: Yittria Stabilized Zirconia) based oxygen sensing 
device. We expect to establish the proof-of-concept of the 
sensing device during Phase 1: optimize. completely characterize 
and field test the sensing device during Phase Il; and during 
Phase 111 commercialize the sensors to niche markets. 

The research will lead to low cost. broad thermal range oxygen 
sensors for space applications. Primary spin-off commercial 
applications include oxygen sensors for improved automotive fuel 
efficiencies, for reduced harmful emissions, and for less energy 
consuming industrial furnaces. The secondary spin off from this 
research will be the development of a whole new class of 
nanoceramic-based chemical sensors for safety (to?dc gas 
detection), medical (diagnosis), process (energy conservation, 
quality control), and environment (BOD, pollution reduction) 
applications.  

Key Words

Nanomaterials Research Corporation	     
10960 N. Stallard Pl.
Tucson, AZ 85737