Grantee Research Project Results
Zero Power Electrochemical Formaldehyde Sensor with Novel Catalyst for Indoor Air Quality
EPA Contract Number: EPD17031Title: Zero Power Electrochemical Formaldehyde Sensor with Novel Catalyst for Indoor Air Quality
Investigators: Peaslee, David E
Small Business: SPEC Sensors, LLC
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 2017 through February 28, 2018
Project Amount: $99,926
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2017) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air and Climate , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The EPA has announced the need for a low cost Formaldehyde Sensor to reduce exposure to CH2O in the home. SPEC Sensors, LLC. specializes in sensor development, and production, and is focused on bringing air quality monitoring for safety and health into every home.
SPEC Sensors has developed a low-power amperometric gas sensor fabricated using modern screen printed electronics strategies. These sensors are small (10x10x2mm), low cost (less than $1.50 to fabricate in high volumes), and very low power, requiring only microwatts for measurements. The sensors are extremely stable, robust and capable of very fast response times, with a wide measurement range for selective measurement of the EPA’s ""criteria"" air pollutants. In addition, while collaborating with KWJ Engineering Inc., SPEC has worked to design low power and zero power wireless multi sensor systems capable of collecting and transmitting data.
Phase I research will focus on printing and characterizing a low cost amperometric CH2O sensor for ambient level monitoring, while optimizing the stability of the printed electrode, and incorporating it into our digital sensor systems. During Phase II, research into maximizing the sensitivity for sub ppb measurements will be explored, including the sensor’s temperature dependence for outdoor and indoor use.
Progress 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.