Grantee Research Project Results
Scalable 2D semiconductor-based field-effect transistors for rapid and efficient detection of lead ions
EPA Grant Number: SU840577Title: Scalable 2D semiconductor-based field-effect transistors for rapid and efficient detection of lead ions
Investigators: Zhao, Mark
Current Investigators: Zhao, Mark , Zhang, Wen , Alam-Sabuj, Md Mohidul , Naseer, Mariam
Institution: New Jersey Institute of Technology
EPA Project Officer: Spatz, Kyle
Phase: I
Project Period: August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024
Project Amount: $24,999
RFA: 19th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet Request for Applications (RFA) (2022) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Description:
With the increasing concerns on the lead contamination in drinking water systems, there is a pressing demand to develop highly cost-effective and portable detection sensors of lead ions (Pb2+) in drinking water. The conventional analytical methods, such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy, require complex sample preparation, skilled professionals and high operational cost. Other rapid test kits usually render low accuracy and unable to detect low lead concentrations. In contrast, electronic sensors based on the field-effect transistor (FET) geometry have demonstrated extremely high sensitivity and selectivity towards lead detection. Moreover, FET sensors have low fabrication cost and high potential for on-chip integration.
Objective:
This project aims to develop scalable two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) based FET sensors for rapid in-situ lead detection in drinking water. The project will (1) fabricate novel TMD-based FET sensors using hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) films to stabilize TMDs and facilitate the functionalization of TMDs with Pb2+ probe molecules (e.g., L-glutathione and Pb2+ ionophore); (2) systematically examine the sensing performance, device stability and reusability when probing lead in synthetic solutions, spiked tap water, and real contaminated water. This invention will gain new insights and lay foundation for developing novel lead sensors.
Approach:
It is repeatedly reported that many U.S. residents, especially school children, are still exposed to lead in drinking water that exceeds the EPA's Action Level, which could result in adverse health effects over a lifetime of exposure. Onsite monitoring lead in drinking water would reap billions of dollars in human health and ecological security. The hBN stabilized TMD-based FET sensors aims to achieve highly sensitive and selective lead detection with high durability. The simple device design contributes to the cost-effective fabrication and potential on-chip integration for portable and in-home uses. Besides the research efforts to develop novel detection technologies to support onsite water quality monitoring, synergistic educational activities such as new teaching materials and workshops will be operated to involve undergraduates and graduates in different STEM disciplines to learn about the EPA P3 principles and concepts and importance of novel sensing technologies for safeguarding human health from water pollutants.
Expected Results:
The research outputs include peer-reviewed journal articles, novel lead sensor design guide, patent application, prototype demonstration, project reports, and educational workshops on water quality monitoring. The potential project outcome is to foster the commercialization of FET lead sensors and new workforce development and to protect the public from exposure to lead and other trace micropollutants in water. The measure of success includes the numbers of peer-reviewed journal publications, granted patents and public workshops and new established partnerships.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 3 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
2D materials, transition metal dichalcogenides, field-effector transistors, sensors, hBN films, functionalization, lead detection, sensitivity, selectivityProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.