SBIR Phase I: A Novel Array-Based Chemical Microsensor

* 9761605马丁 这个小企业创新研究第一阶段项目描述了一种新型阵列式化学微传感器和一种专用采样系统的开发，用于监测地下氯化烃。 氯化碳氢化合物是地下最普遍的污染物，威胁着含水层地下水的质量。 用于监测这些污染物的现有技术需要昂贵的劳动密集型样品收集和分析方法。 在所提出的传感器中，阵列的各个元件的化学和电学特性将受到控制，以便独特的指纹将识别每种污染物。 输出信号将被集成到基于软件的神经网络中，用于分析物识别。 简单的设计，成本，制造和操作要求的传感器将克服其他现有的阵列传感器的局限性。 开发一个低成本、可靠的取样和监测系统将减少取样和污染物监测的相关费用，并能及时获得连续的信息。 此外，它将提供自动化和无人值守的监测污染物羽流的迁移，以及监测污染物破坏遏制行动的可能性。 第一阶段将（i）证明传感器设计的可行性，（ii）开发手持式原型，（iii）测试受污染的地下水。 在第二阶段，将开发和演示一种可现场部署的原型仪器。 该研究的潜在商业应用：对环境问题，减少废物和提高工业过程效率的日益重视强调了开发用于现场或工厂使用的新化学传感器的重要性。 具体而言，需要传感器来衡量补救措施的有效性，以实现废物最小化，并检测废水，饮用水和其他环境系统中有毒，有害或以其他方式调节的化学品的存在。 此外，所提出的传感器将在食品、饮料和香水工业中广泛应用，用于确定气味和芳香，以及在临床（例如，呼吸监测器）和农业工业（例如，农药检测）。 ***

*** 9761605 Martin This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes the development of a novel array-based chemical microsensor and a dedicated sampling system for the monitoring of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the subsurface. Chlorinated hydrocarbons represent the most prevalent contaminants in the subsurface, threatening the quality of groundwater at aquifers. Existing technology for monitoring these contaminants requires expensive, labor-intensive methods of sample collection and analysis. In the proposed sensor, the chemical and electrical properties of the individual elements of the array will be controlled so that a unique fingerprint will identify each pollutant. The output signals will be integrated into a software-based neural network for analyte identification. The simple design, cost, fabrication, and operation requirements of the proposed sensor will overcome the limitations of other existing array sensors. The development of a low-cost, reliable sampling and monitoring system would reduce the cost associated with sampling and contaminant monitoring, and allow timely continuous information. Also, it will provide the possibility for automated and unattended monitoring of the migration of contaminant plumes, as well as for monitoring contaminants that breach containment operations. Phase I will (i) demonstrate the feasibility of the sensor design, (ii) develop a hand held prototype, and (iii) test contaminated groundwater. During Phase II, a field deployable prototype instrument will be developed and demonstrated. Potential Commercial Applications of the Research: The increasing emphasis on environmental issues, waste reduction, and improved efficiency for industrial processes has underlined the importance of the development of new chemical sensors for field or in-plant use. Specifically, sensors are needed to gauge the effectiveness of remediation efforts, to effect waste minimization, and to detect the presence of toxic, hazardous, or otherwise regu lated chemicals in waste effluents, drinking water, and other environmental systems. In addition, this proposed sensor will find wide application in the food, drink and perfume industries for the determination of odors and aromas, as well as in the clinical (e.g., breath monitor) and agronomic industries (e.g., detection of pesticides). ***