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