The sensor detects signals thanks to a graphene film, which changes the level of electric resistance under the influence of molecules and atoms. Measuring this change one can define presence or absence of different matters in a gas.
ITMO University researchers planned to develop a sensor, which would be as sensitive as a dog`s nose. However it turned out that this prototype has a much higher (about 0,1 ppb (parts-per-billion) sensitivity.
Pavel Bulat, the head of the laboratory, noted that applications of the graphene sensor are multiple. According to the results of experiments, the sensor detects the concentration of ammonia and hydrogen. The device also can be used for early disease detection.
“Our development was criticized because its sensibility is overly high. It is partly true. However in some cases like instant diagnosis or fatigue properties tests a super-sensitive sensor is necessary,” said Mr. Bulat.
Pavel Bulat also mentioned that researchers used foreign graphene films to develop the sensor. Now they are going to develop such films with the assistance of the Russian researchers from “Ioffe Institute” by 2016.
Aleksander Pushkash
News portal editorial office