The primary objective of this research project is to develop new gas sensing technology based on the Kelvin method of electronic work function measurement. The proposed research builds upon a strong sensor technology base within the Arizona Instrument Corp. (AZI). Initially, a prototype sensor will be designed, built, and evaluated to determine the feasibility of the approach. Hydrogen sulfide will be used in the evaluation because of its importance as an industrial toxin, and the critical need for H2S sensors that continuously monitor wide ranges of concentration. Success in the research will enable the commercialization of a new class of compact, cost-effective gas sensors permitting a degree of control of sensitivity, and selectivity heretofore not possible. The great flexibility of this technology will ensure its utility in continuous monitoring of a broad range of toxic industrial gases. The worldwide applications possible will permit significant market penetration by AZI in a technical area dominated by foreign interests.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The compact Kelvin-probe chemical sensors proposed for development in this project should have the following characteristics: excellent selectivity, high dynamic range, rapid response capability for continuous operation, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication. This new sensor could eventually be used as the key component in portable instrumentation for the environmental monitoring of toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide.
