Study: New Nanosensors Keen to Terrorist Threats, Environmental Pollutants

Scientists in Russia have developed a new sensor powered by nanoparticles. Researchers say the new sensor offers groundbreaking sensitivity to environmental pollutants — and even terrorists threats.

The gas detection technology relies upon binary metal oxide nanocomposites, which offer a few advantages.

First, they offer the main two components necessary for quick and accurate gas detection: a higher density of conductive electrons and an efficient catalyst. Second, they feature a chemisorption center — a chemical hotspot at the center of the nanocrystals where gas molecules are actively courted and absorbed.

“Choosing the right sensor composition can make a device at least ten times more effective and enable an exceptionally fast response, which is crucial for preventing terrorist attacks,” Leonid Trakhtenberg, a professor of molecular chemistry at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, said in a news release.

As detailed in a new paper — published in the journal Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical — the binary metal-oxide is synthesized in the form of nanoparticles. But researchers suggests similarly composed nanotubes could offer the same gas-detection abilities with added benefits.

“We are planning further research into the possibilities for sensor design presented by the multi-component metal oxide nanocomposites incorporating nanofibers,” Trakhtenberg added. “The development of new effective sensor compositions will be based on a reasonably balanced approach involving both the experimental tests and the advancement of our theoretical understanding of the sensing mechanisms.”