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High Temperature Micromachined Sensor for Industrial Gas Streams--Nanomaterials Research Corporation, 2620 Trade Center Avenue, Longmont, CO 80503-7551; 303-702-1672
Dr. Dmitri Routkevich, Principal Investigator
Ms. Molly M. W. Kostelecky, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-99ER82842
Amount: $100,000
The energy industry, along with such waste-intensive industries as pulp and paper, primary metals, chemicals, and glass have been targeted by the Department of Energy for improvements in resource efficiency and competitiveness, as well as for minimizing the generation of waste and pollutants. Advanced sensor technologies addressing such generic needs as reliability and robustness in harsh environments, miniaturization, sensitivity, and selectivity are significant components of this mission. This project will develop new high-temperature microsensors for the real-time monitoring of industrial gas streams in harsh conditions. The approach is based on a micromachined nanoporous ceramic with high thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability. The sensitive material will be deposited inside a self-organized network of nanoscale pores, and will offer the potential for higher precision, better accuracy, and longer lifetime. The process would allow for economic production in bulk quantities. Phase I will establish the proof-of-concept that high temperature gas microsensors from chemically modified nanoporous ceramic have increased reliability, sensitivity, selectivity, and stability in the harsh environments of industrial gas streams. The concept will be evaluated by using a prototype resistive oxygen microsensor.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: