One-step-laser process used to develop highly-sensitive NO2 sensor

Scientists at Sussex University have collaborated with Oxford-based M-SOLV and researchers in Europe to develop a gas sensor that can provide accurate readings of NO2 levels in an affordable and portable Internet-of-Things device, which could synchronise with smartphones and applications.

NO2 originates from combustion engines and industrial processes and long-term exposure to the pollutant can cause respiratory issues, which can be particularly severe and even life-threatening for babies and asthma sufferers.

IMechE calls for new clean air act to tackle ill-health from air pollution

European Union regulations allow a threshold of 20 parts-per-billion (ppb) of NO2 in the air to be overcome no more than 18 times in a year. The monthly average is regularly above this in London but monitoring of air quality to prevent exposure at ppb levels is currently only possible with unwieldy and expensive equipment.

According to Sussex University, the team’s breakthrough came when they developed an NO2 sensing layer based on a laser deposited carbon aerogel (LDCA), which they found to have exceptional selectivity towards NO2 over other common air pollutants.