Detecting 'Yuhegas' with Smartphones... Development of Nano Sensor

Schematic diagram of Nanolin developed by the research team and perspective view through an electron microscope

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] A low-power detection sensor capable of detecting harmful gases in enclosed spaces to prevent safety accidents has been developed. This sensor is made from nano materials, making it small in size and non-heating, allowing it to be installed in smartphones or wearable devices.

On the 1st, the research team led by Professor Junbo Yoon of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced that they developed a low-power harmful gas detection sensor that can operate continuously using their proprietary nano material called 'Nanorin.'

Nanorin is a two-dimensional material consisting of aligned bundles of nanowires (thin threads with nanometer thickness) suspended in the air. Using this material, the research team developed a low-power gas detection sensor.

This is a new type of nanoheater gas sensor where metal oxide nanowires are aligned as the heater material instead of the conventional microheater. By utilizing the inherent thermal isolation effect of the nano material, heat loss to the substrate can be drastically reduced.

Professor Junbo Yoon stated, "The always-on gas sensor is expected to be used as a 'canary in the smartphone,' alerting users to the danger of harmful gases anytime and anywhere."

Dr. Kwangwook Choi, first author and a member of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at KAIST, explained that this is an ultra-low-power gas sensor technology suitable for embedding in portable devices, adding, "We hope this technology will be used to prevent gas accidents in advance and save lives."

The research results were published online on the 12th of last month in the international journal Advanced Functional Materials.

Thermal excellence of NanoLin developed by the research team, structure aligned with limited gaps, airborne form

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