Taiwan NCHU Researchers Produce Nanomaterial for Use in Gas Detectors

Two research scientists from Taiwan’s National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) have developed a new nanomaterial which could be utilized in advanced gas detectors for saving lives.

Lin Kuan-jiuh, a chemistry professor and Watson Kuo, a Professor of Physics have evaluated a nanowire comprising vanadium oxides and have established that the charge conduction property of the material was extremely sensitive to various gas exposures.

Kuo has revealed that the gating effect by the absorption and adsorption of the various gas molecules could be applied to create devices such as electronic noses for monitoring the environment.

Kuo further clarified that the gating effect is prolonged due to the interlayer diffusion of gas molecules which would allow the material to store in memory the gases for one to two hours after the initial contact which is something unique to this device. He disclosed that the material if used in combination with wireless technology it could be used to carry out remote sensing of hazardous and dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide. The nanomaterial could efficiently detect the presence of nitrogen and oxygen and may also be able to detect other gases if different radicals are added to it. The results of these experiments and research have been published in an academic journal, Nanotechnology in its 18 March edition. This journal mainly promotes understanding of the fundamental biology, chemistry, physics and nanometer-scale objects technology.