This project will develop a solid state, miniaturized, low cost electrochemical sensor using a nonaqueous gelled electrolyte for the detection and measurement of toxic gases and vapors attributed to subsurface contaminants, such as those present at DOE sites. The sensor will have a micron-size, three-electrode structure and gelled electrolyte capable of a wide voltage window for measuring toxic gases and organic vapors. The Phase I project will design and fabricate the three-electrode cell on a substrate of silicon-oxide on silicon, develop and evaluate thin film gelled electrolyte, package the sensor, and demonstrate its feasibility. In Phase II, engineering prototypes will be developed for field testing.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Reliable, low cost, and long life sensors should be useful for environmental monitoring of toxic gases and vapors. Sensors with multigas sensing capability should be useful in industrial processes monitoring and control and for indoor air quality monitoring.
