Miniaturized CH4 Sensors Nanomaterials Research Corporation, Longmont, CO 80503

Innovation• The innovation for this program is to engineer the interface of the sensing materials to near molecular level through the use of nanomaterials.

Accomplishments• February 2003 - Nanomaterials Research makes prototype NOx sensors available for evaluation.• December 2002 - Nanomaterials Research eliminates focus on Multilayer Component Fabrication.• October 2002 - Nanomaterials Research presents paper at The Nanoparticles 2002 Conference on the application of Nanotechnology in regards to Gas Sensor development.  Article• September 2002 - Nanomaterials Research is awarded a NIH Phase II to continue work on Sensors for Respirator Breakthrough.• May 2002 - Nanomaterials Research's sensor efforts are written up in Sensors Business Digest.  Article• April 2002 - Nanomaterials Research is included in write-up on nanoscale materials in MDA Update.  Article

• The Gas Sensors Group at Nanomaterials is involved in the development of unique semiconducting sensors for both toxic and combustible gases. Based on the traditional use of simple metal oxides, such as tin oxide, Nanomaterials is utilizing a background in Materials Science to enhance and improve upon the current state-of-the art.

• Nanocrystalline SnO2 powders with and without different dopants were synthesized, characterized, and processed reproducibly into sensing elements. These nanostructructed sensor elements were evaluated and optimized extensively in terms of their sensitivity, selectivity, operating temperature, and stability. Prototype sensors were successfully produced, packaged, and tested. The test results were consistent with the conclusions drawn from the systematical studies.

Commercialization• In March 2001, NRC separated into two companies.  Nanomaterials Research LLC,

with funding from the US Government's SBIR initiative, was formed to focus on nano-engineered devices.  An affiliate, NanoProducts Corporation which is 100% commercially funded and has already signed over US$25 million in financial commitments, was formed to focus on nanoscale powder manufacture and technologies. 

Points of Contact:NASA: R. Collin Hieger chieger@ems.jsc.nasa.gov

Nanomaterials: staff@nrcorp.com 1995 SBIR Phase II; NAS 9 97024

Johnson Space Center Date of Update 04/22//03 SS 09-10

Government/Science ApplicationsNanomaterial’s current SBIR programs, concerning sensors, are as follows.

Chemically Selective Sensors based on Novel Conducting Polymers - National Science Foundation, Phase I - Project Brief

Miniature Sensor Platform for Detecting Toxic Gases - National Institutes of Health, Phase I - Project Brief

Novel Hydrogen Sulfide Sensors for Portable Monitors - National Institutes of Health, Phase II pending - Project Brief

On-Board Diagnostic Sensor for Respirator Breakthrough - National Institutes of Health, Phase II  - Project Brief

Nanoceramic Sensors for Fluorine and Similar Hazardous Chemicals - Department of Defense, Phase II - Project Brief

Miniature Electrochemical CO2 Detector - Department of Energy, Phase II - Project Brief