Patent — available for licensing
Solid State Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Sensor
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
Detection of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is very important for environmental, health, safety and space applications. CO2 is a harmful pollutant at higher concentrations due to its ability to displace oxygen in large concentrations. Current commercial sensors for CO2 have issues and shortcomings particular with precision at different temperatures, pressures and high humidity levels. NASA Ames has developed a novel solid state, CO2 sensor configured for sensitive detection of CO2 having a concentration within the range of about 100 Parts Per Million (ppm) and 10,000 ppm in both dry conditions and high humidity conditions. The composite sensing material comprises Oxidized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (O-MWCNT) and a metal oxide. The composite sensing material has an inherent resistance and corresponding conductivity that is chemically modulated as the level of CO2 increases. The CO2 sensor can be easily integrated into existing electronic circuitry and hardware configurations, including the hardware of a mobile computing device, such as a smart phone or tablet device.