PROJECTS
The IIT-SRG works on new sensors arrays,applications of sensors and process
analytical chemistry. Our current efforts include projects for government,
industrial, and not-for-profit institutes as well as operating a Shared
Sensor Technology User Facility(SSTUF).
Some recent projects are included below :
- DOE CARAT project: Development of Low cost
sensors for Advanced Automotive Applications
The expected widespread use of fuel cell-powered vehicles presupposes certain
technologies and components that are not available today. Because
these vehicles will generate and use flammable or potentially harmful
gases, sensors will be needed those meet ordinary automotive
standards: low cost, wide environmental range, and long lifetime. In
addition, the sensors must be highly selective for their target
gases.The goal of this project is the development of these specialized
sensors in a form suitable for automotive use.
- Telecommunications and chemical sensors
for transportation safety
The focus of this research is to design and build a working
telecommunicating chlorine sensor to be used on Union Tank Car
chlorine tankers.
- Shared User Sensor
Test Facility(SSTUF)
Test Facility for users who would like specific information about a
sensor or sensor application.
- Process Analytical Chemistry
We are interested in using membranes for the real-time study of
organic synthesis in the drug industry. The effect of organic analyte
and solvent concentrations on permeation are being investigated,as is
the signifcance of these effects with respect to Fick's law of
permeation.
- Sensor
Arrays & E-Nose
The electronic nose is used for the analysis of vapors and consists of
three components, a sample handling system, an array of sensors, and a
computer for data processing. It uses multiple sensors, which have
some differences and redundancies in selectivity to establish patterns
associated with complex volatile mixtures.
Our work has focused on improving the sensitivity and selectivity of
the electronic nose by refining sample processing and using an
electrochemical sensor array in the system. Some advances have
included using a Nafion dryer to remove the background response due to
water on some sensor types and using pyrolyzer filaments to generate
electrochemically active analytes. Combining the electrochemical
sensors with the quartz microbalance and metal oxide sensor arrays
provides complementary capabilities. Throughout this work careful
consideration is given to the questions within a given analytical
problem and the data analysis that provides the most accurate answer.
Applications have included food, beverages, and the detection and
discrimination of bacteria.
- Development of Chemical Imaging Technology
Impedance detection of chemical and biochemical events has been
performed using an array of microfabricated capacitors.This sensor can
be adapted for various types of sensing applications involving
conductivity or impedance of samples.We believe that this unique
device can be used for a series of novel chemical and biochemical
sensors with advanced capabilities.Our present efforts are aimed at
developing applications of the sensor.
Some other projects include :
- Detection and early
diagnosis of TB using sensor array
- Novel Chemical
sensors for ultra trace level pollutant detection
- Combination of
Sensors and wireless technology
Commercialization Activities:
Several sensors from our laboratory have been commercialized(including
CO,Cl2,H2S and others). We are enthusiastic about
working with industrial partners to solve real problems and create new
product opportunities.
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