Carbon Dioxide Sensor for Atmospheric Monitoring
DOE Phase I Contract DE-FG02-06ER84414
This Small Business Innovation Research project addresses the development of a lightweight, battery powered instrument for accurately and rapidly detecting the local concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The technology will enable the development of an advanced monitor that is suitable for observatory, tall-tower, and aircraft measurements.
An advanced CO2 analyzer will be developed with a novel optical sensor employing a sample concentrator in conjunction with single-beam, dual-wavelength IR measurements. The technology will enable the development of a micro-miniaturized instrument with (1) ±0.1 ppm resolution in a background of ca. 370 ppm, (2) <30 sec response times, (3) <100 mA power requirements, and (4) <250 g total weight.
A novel polymeric CO2 concentrator will be designed, fabricated, and evaluated. The porous, chemically modified polymer film will sorb and concentrate CO2 for enhanced IR detection.
Successful completion of the project will result in the development of a lightweight, battery-powered CO2 analyzer, which will find application in performing highly accurate and precise atmospheric CO2 measurements from a wide range of measurement platforms. Low-cost and accurate CO2 monitoring would also find widespread use in medical, industrial, agricultural, and security applications.