This proposal addresses the need specified in DHS SBIR FY07.1 under the Topic Number H-SB07.1-007 “Improved Chemiresistor Sensing Arrays for Detection of Small Molecules Gases”. The proposed work focuses on demonstration of the feasibility of developing an improved chemiresistor sensor array with nanostructured sensing materials for the detection of small molecules gases. The Phase I goal is to develop the feasibility of an improved chemiresistor sensor array prototype by design and creation of molecularly-mediated thin film assemblies of nanoparticles as sensing materials. The nanostructure-improved sensing arrays will be capable of addressing some of the existing problems including sensitivity and stability. Our approach focuses on the advanced nanoparticles and assemblies as array sensing materials to chemiresistive devices, with additional pattern recognition engine. The anticipated benefits and potential commercial applications of the sensor array products include a new set of design and fabrication parameters of sensitive and robust chemiresistor sensing materials for detecting the targeted small molecules gases, and a new generation of sensor array systems in plug-and-play module for applications in homeland security, airport terminals, hospitals, military fields, and public transportation systems, which are portable, robust, and has low rate of false-alarming.
