An electronic nose to sniff out nasty chemicals
Using materials technology to add a touch interface to devices, U.K. scientists develop an electronic nose sensor able to be tied into clothing or paper.
Materials scientists have turned high-tech powders into an electronic nose that could be used for safety and health applications.
U.K.-based Peratech today announced that it has designed a device able to detect harmful chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It uses a new type of electronically conductive material, made in a powder form, which is also being used to add touch controls to mobile phones and other surfaces.
Called quantum tunneling composite material, it can create an electrical current when it bends or is touched. For the electronic nose, the material can be placed on films and even be woven into clothing.
For example, first responders could have clothing that detects harmful chemicals or people could have clothing that monitor VOCs for health reasons, the company told Technology Review.
There's a long history of trying to make electronic noses. NASA, for example, needs sensors to monitor certain chemicals, such as ammonia, on the International Space Station.
Peratech said its sensors have low power requirements and its advanced materials allow for the sensor to detect chemicals and recover quickly.