SBIR-STTR Award

Polestar Technologies Inc. proposes a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project to develop a deployable sensor for direct measurements of carbonate in saline waters. The designed sensor combines selectivity of carbonate ionophore with the unique structure of a carbon nanotube array. Detection will be based on rapid, inexpensive, low power and precise electrochemical methods. The proposed sensor will be deployable for autonomous monitoring of carbonate ions in the ocean. Phase I project will focus on feasibility of proof-of-concept for sensitive, fast and selective detection of carbonate ions with a sensitivity of 5 ?M in saline waters.

This program is aimed at the development of a deployable sensor for direct measurement of carbonate ions in saline waters with a sensitivity of 5 ?M. The sensor combines the selectivity of carbonate ionophore with the unique structure of a carbon nanotube array to achieve a large dynamic range, high specificity and sensitivity. Phase I was focused on demonstrating the proof-of-principle concept for selective and sensitive detection of carbonate ions with a sensitivity of 5 ?M in saline waters. The specific objectives of the Phase I SBIR program were: a) Demonstration of direct measurement of carbonate ion with a sensitivity of 5 ?, b) Establishing the specificity for carbonate ion detection in sea water, c) Fast response time, d) Dynamic range of 0 – 500 ?M for carbonate detection and e) Initiation of the circuitry and mechanical design for autonomous detection. Except for the complete dynamic range, all the other objectives of Phase I have been achieved. Phase II work will involve increasing the dynamic range in addition to design, develop and testing of a prototype sensor in conditions of relevance to NOAA applications. Also, the system will be3 designed to enable integration with existing infrastructure and communications protocols of NOAA.