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Robust Microsenors for Automobile Exhaust Monitoring and Control

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-05ER86239
Agency Tracking Number: 79252B05-I
Amount: $99,963.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: 31b
Solicitation Number: DE-FG01-O4ER04-33
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2425 South 900 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Balakirshnan Nair
 Dr.
 (801) 956-1000
 bnair@ceramatec.com
Business Contact
 Raymond Miller
Title: Mr.
Phone: (801) 978-2114
Email: rkm@ceramatec.com
Research Institution
 Los Alamos National Laboratory
 Kenneth R Stroh
 
P.O. Box 1663 Mail Stop C334
Los Alamos, NM 87545
United States

 (505) 667-6833
 Federally Funded R&D Center (FFRDC)
Abstract

79252 As environmental regulations become increasingly stringent, there is mounting pressure on automobile manufacturers to substantially lower unburnt hydrocarbon emissions. This will require monitoring the hydrocarbon content in the exhaust with more accuracy than currently possible using the two oxygen sensor system. This requirement is especially important during start-up conditions, which account for more than 90% of hydrocarbon emissions. This project will develop a robust, miniature hydrocarbon sensor that can detect hydrocarbons in automobile exhaust, with excellent sensitivity to hydrocarbons, minimal cross-sensitivity to exhaust gas constituents (e.g. CO, CO2, NOx, SO2), and fast response time (< 1 sec). In Phase I, a number of key experiments, including a demonstration of minimal cross-sensitivity to specific exhaust gas constituents, will be carried out to demonstrate feasibility. Phase II will focus on sensor miniaturization/integration, prototype development, on-board testing, and demonstration. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new hydrocarbon sensors should be small and inexpensive enough to be installed for on-board monitoring and emissions control applications in automobiles, providing significant benefit to the environment and quality of life. The technology also should allow manufacturers to reduce catalyst loadings and life-cycle engine degradation.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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