Air Pollution Detector

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a deadly form of air pollution that is generated by the burning of fossil fuels. Major sources worldwide include coal-fired power plants and diesel engines. NO2 contributes to more than seven million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It’s particularly harmful to the elderly, and has been shown to increase the risk of respiratory disorders in children. But the negative impact of NO2 could be lessened with early detection, so Australian researchers have set out to develop a highly selective and reliable monitoring system that would allow individuals to help avoid NO2 poisoning by detecting harmful levels in the air early.

The new sensors are not only more cost-effective than current methods, they also outperform any of the solutions available today. They are fabricated by transforming tin di-sulfide (a yellow-brown pigment used in varnish for gilding) into flakes only a few atoms thick to create a large surface area. The flakes are highly attracted to NO2 molecules, making them very selective in absorbing and identifying the harmful gas.

The new technology represents an important first step in creating personal, handheld sensors that could help improve quality of life and avoid debilitating illness for millions of people.