2023-02-13 11:32:34
Article from phys.org
Photoacoustic sensors, or PASs, have become increasingly important in a variety of industries due to their ability to detect various gases with greater sensitivity and accuracy than more traditional methods. Recently, researchers have been exploring the use of PASs to detect hydrogen sulfide, which is a hazardous gas commonly found in industries such as oil and gas.
In a recently published paper, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi described the use of an ultra-sensitive PAS to detect hydrogen sulfide with rapid response time. The device is constructed out of piezoelectric Zinc Oxide nanostructures, which generate electric signals when exposed to sound or light. These nanostructures are encapsulated in a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) substrate and incorporated into the design of the PAS.
To optimize the device, the researchers tested various parameters, such as the thickness of the nanostructures, the composition of the MWCNT, and the exposure time. Through these tests, the researchers found that their device was capable of detecting hydrogen sulfide at concentrations as low as 10 parts-per-billion with a response time of as little as 100 milliseconds. Furthermore, the device was able to maintain its sensitivity over a 6-hour continuous monitoring period.
The ultra-sensitive PAS developed by the researchers displays enhanced performance compared to past designs, making it highly suitable for detecting hydrogen sulfide in industrial settings. This research was led by Dr. Anu Sharma and Dr. Rajora PP and is published in the journal SciTech Europa.