The stretchable device integrates electrical and visual sensing to detect on leaks in real time, strengthening worker safety in ammonia-handling environments,As per the research team.
Researchers at Hanbat National University, South Korea, have created a stretchable, wearable ammonia sensor that integrates two detection technique to offer both quantitative readings and a immediate visual warning, as per the study posted in Advanced Fiber Materials.
Ammonia is broadly utilized in fertilizers, refrigeration and developing fuel systems, but it is also highly toxic, making fast detection vital in industrial settings. Existing sensors generally depend upon either chemiresistive or colorimetric detection, each with trade-offs in stability, selectivity or recovery time.
The research team, led by Professor Hyun Il Kang, created a dual-mode sensor built on a gas-permeable polymer nanofiber platform. The design incorporates a chemiresistive sensing layer for quantitative measurements with a color-changing layer for instant visual feedback, supplying parts components-per-million-level sensitivity and stable overall performance under humidity and mechanical deformation.
“Our device offers flexibility and facilitates efficient transport of NH3 between the bromocresol-green-primarily based colorimetric and poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)-based chemiresistive sensing layers,” Kang stated in a announcement. “This progressive dual-mode design permits reliable NH3 detection.”
As per the researchers, each sensing layer can carry out on its own, permitting the platform to preserve accuracy if one mode fails. The device also operated efficiently when attached to human skin and in humid conditions.
Potential applications consist of private safety monitoring in ammonia-managing facilities, industrial refrigeration systems, agricultural operations and ammonia-fueled vehicle structures, as well as breath-based totally health screening. The researchers stated that dual-mode, skin-mountable sensors could support smart personal protective device that gives early leak warnings and improved reliability in real-world conditions.
