Dynamic tuning of chemiresistor sensitivity using mechanical strain

DWPI Title: Method for determining concentration of analyte with chemiresistor sensor, involves measuring conductance of exposed chemiresistor sensor to determine concentration of analyte
Abstract: The sensitivity of a chemiresistor sensor can be dynamically tuned using mechanical strain. The increase in sensitivity is a smooth, continuous function of the applied strain, and the effect can be reversible. Sensitivity tuning enables the response curve of the sensor to be dynamically optimized for sensing analytes, such as volatile organic compounds, over a wide concentration range.
Use: For use in determining a concentration of an analyte with a chemiresistor sensor.
Advantage: The sensitivity of chemiresistor sensor is dynamically tuned using the mechanical strain over a wide concentration range. The sensitivity of chemiresistor is increased at very low analyte concentrations, so that lower detection limit of the sensor is lowered.
Novelty: The method involves providing a chemiresistor sensor (10). A mechanical strain is applied to the chemiresistor sensor. The strained chemiresistor sensor is exposed to the analyte. A conductance of the exposed chemiresistor sensor is measured to determine the concentration of the analyte. A baseline conductance of the strained chemiresistor sensor is measured before exposing process. The measured conductance of the analyte-exposed chemiresistor sensor is compared to the baseline conductance.
Filed: 1/19/2012
Application Number: US13353941A
Tech ID: SD 11462.1
This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention.
Data from Derwent World Patents Index, provided by Clarivate
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