NASA SBIR 01-1 Solicitation

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Gas sensors based on metal oxide sensing layers, are known to be widely used for the measurement of CO, CO2, aromatic hydrocarbon, NO2 etc., but such sensors lack selectivity in general, and operation at high temperatures is required. Arrays of sensors distinguished by their cross sensitivity have to be used where a certain degree of selectivity is obtained. The proposed program will focus on the use of highly organized ultrathin films of conducting polymers and their nanocomposites with high conductivity, which will selectively recognize the above gases with high sensitivity (#ppb). In Phase I, we will synthesize several high conductivity polymers which we will process using the supramolecular approach via the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique to fabricate the necessary films for gas sensing applications for the first time with emphasis on sensitivity and selectivity that are otherwise unattainable with other fabrication methods or materials. Regioregular polythiophene derivatives and their metal oxide nanocomposites will be used in this effort. Characterization of materials and films as well as detection characteristics will be achieved using several techniques, particularly electrochemistry. Phase II will focus on material and technique optimization towards prototype sensors that will be used for evaluation by NASA and for marketing purposes.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
With the expected high selectivity and low detection ( NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Dr. Manoj K. Ram
Fractal Systems, Inc.
14200 Carlson Circle
Tampa , FL   33626 - 3001

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Fractal Systems, Inc.
14200 Carlson Circle
Tampa , FL   33626 - 3001