FY22 sbir phase i awardpurpose: spec sensors is developing a new process to manufacture miniaturized amperometric gas sensors (apgs)

Spec Sensors LLC was awarded a $199,912.24 cooperative agreement from the Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620). The award will support Spec Sensors' development of next-generation amperometric gas sensors through miniaturization and cost reduction. Specifically, Spec Sensors will design thinner sensor materials, validate roll-to-roll printing techniques, and develop new inks for gravure printing. This work aims to fabricate sensors that are 10 times smaller in volume and cost 10 to 100 times less than current devices. If successful, the miniaturized sensors could enable applications as wearable monitors for first responders and in medical areas like smoking cessation and neonatal jaundice diagnosis. Spec Sensors plans to subcontract a portion of the engineering and measurement work to KWJ Engineering Inc. during the six-month award period ending March 2023.

Activities

During phase i, spec sensors will design and develop thinner AGS sensors and new materials for INK; validate gravure printing roll to roll printing techniques.

Expected outcomes

By incorporating roll-to-roll printing techniques, spec sensors aims to fabricate significantly thinner sensors to achieve 10-fold reduction in volume and 10- to 100-fold reduction in cost. These next-generation APG devices are commonly used in carbon monoxide sensing. Further miniaturization of apgs allow applications as wearable sensors for fire fighters and first responders as well as in medical applications like smoking cessation and neonatal jaundice diagnosis.

Intended beneficiaries

Spec sensors technology will benefit fire fighters and first responders as well as medical applications like smoking cessation and neonatal jaundice diagnosis.

Subrecipient activities

Spec sensors plans to subcontract a portion of the engineering and measurement setup to KWJ engineering INC., in phase i.