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Low Temperature, High Altitude Humidity Sensor--Nanomaterials Research Corporation, 2620 Trade Center Avenue, Longmont, CO 80503-7551; 303-702-1672
Dr. Peter Mardilovich, Principal Investigator
Dr. Tapesh Yadav, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-99ER82839
Amount: $750,000
Significant improvements in the measurement of atmospheric parameters are required for long-term atmospheric monitoring to support sustainable and pollution-free energy devel-opments of the future. In particular, a new approach to humidity sensing from balloon launched radiosondes is required to provide high accuracy and time resolution for measurements at very high altitudes and temperatures down to ~ 60° C. This project will develop novel micro-sensors and sensor arrays for long term, low temperature, and high altitude humidity monitoring. The approach is based on a novel, low-cost, nanoporous material with tunable chemical composition and nanoengineered porous morphology. Phase I demonstrated that nanofabricated, high sensitivity, low power, low-cost, humidity sensors can provide superior performance than currently available sensors down to
~60° C. Phase II will further develop, test, and optimize the technology for the high performance humidity monitoring microsensors in high altitude conditions. Manufacturing technology will be further developed and commercialization possibilities will be pursued.Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The primary application of nano-engineered sensors is in low power atmospheric monitoring of humidity. Spin-off applications include reliable humidity sensors for cryogenic applications, process engineering, and consumer applications.