This federal Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's Geosciences Program (CFDA 47.050) provides $400,000 to the Regents of the University of Michigan to develop a novel self-powered multimodal MEMS sensor for simultaneously monitoring pH, pressure, and temperature in marine environments.
The key products and services to be delivered under this 3-year award include: (1) designing, fabricating, and testing a highly sensitive and accurate pH sensor based on a piezoelectric single crystal wafer that is unaffected by pressure and temperature changes; (2) designing, fabricating, and testing a novel ocean wave energy converter to provide sustainable power for long-term operation of the sensor system; and (3) integrating the sensor and energy harvesting components, and conducting field demonstrations at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
This innovative sensing system aims to address the challenges facing marine carbon dioxide removal (MCDR) research by providing uninterrupted, high-quality pH measurements crucial for assessing environmental impact, optimizing MCDR processes, and ensuring the sustainability of these efforts. The project will also support curriculum development, student training, and collaborative engagement with industry and government partners.