New Research on Gas Sensors Contribute to the Green Transition

Tue 21 Jan 2025 10:34

Mehdi Akbari Saatlu, a doctoral student at Mid Sweden University, has developed technology to detect hazardous gases more effectively, enhancing environmental protection and safety.

Man med mörkt hår och grå collegetröja står med armarna i kors och ler mot kameran.
Mehdi Akbari Saatlu, a doctoral student at Mid Sweden University, has reached a milestone.

On January 24, 2025, Mehdi will defend his dissertation, "Advanced Nanomaterials for Gas Sensing", at Mid Sweden University. His work focuses on creating sensors capable of detecting toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and methanethiol (CH₃SH). These gases can be harmful to both humans and the environment, even in very small quantities.

Smart Sensors That Warn in Time

A key outcome of Mehdi's research is a sensor he developed that can detect extremely low concentrations of H₂S, down to 140 parts per trillion (ppt). This technology enables early warnings about hazardous gas emissions. To achieve this, Mehdi employed advanced yet cost-effective manufacturing techniques such as screen printing, ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and flame spray pyrolysis. Screen printing, a method where porous nanomaterials are printed onto substrates, is used, among other applications, to create high-performance sensors. This makes it possible to produce sensors that are both effective and inexpensive to manufacture.

Potential to improve air quality in Västernorrland

One practical application of these sensors, which Mehdi plans to address, is the detection and mitigation of unpleasant odors from industrial facilities (mostly from pulp and paper industries) in Sundsvall and the Västernorrland region.

– These sensors could provide an effective solution by detecting and monitoring harmful gas emissions in real-time. By doing so, they could help industries minimize their environmental impact and improve air quality, which would directly benefit the local community, says Mehdi Akbari Saatlu.

How the Research Supports the Green Transition

Mehdi’s research has the potential to play a vital role in efforts to protect the environment. The sensors can help industries reduce emissions by detecting and halting hazardous gases early, resulting in cleaner air and less pollution.

– In addition, the methods used to manufacture the sensors are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Since the sensors are long-lasting, they also reduce electronic waste, says Mehdi Akbari Saatlu.

Applications

The new sensors have a wide range of applications, such as:  
·     Industry: Detecting and warning of hazardous gases in factories and refineries.  
·     Environment: Monitoring air quality and tracking emissions.  
·     Natural Gas: Ensuring safe handling of gas by identifying toxic substances.  
·     Cities: Monitoring air quality in smart urban networks.

Next Steps

Developing sensors that are both sensitive and easy to mass-produce has been a challenge, but Mehdi has successfully developed methods to achieve this.

– I hope to test the sensors in real-world environments and continue developing the technology, such as making them wireless and even more precise, he says.

A Crucial Part of Future Technology

Mehdi's research, supported by Vinnova and the MiLo project, demonstrates how new technology can address significant challenges related to both environmental and safety concerns. His work represents a step forward in creating a greener and safer world.

Dissertation

The dissertation defense will take place on January 24, 2025, at 08:00 in room C312 on the Sundsvall campus and via Zoom. The opponent is Professor Elisabetta Comini from the University of Brescia, Italy, and the main supervisor is Associate Professor Göran Thungström, Mid Sweden University.

Contact:

Mehdi Akbari Saatlu, Doctoral Student, FSCN Research Centre, Mid Sweden University  
+46 (0)10-1428161  
mehdi.akbarisaatlu@miun.se 

Read the whole thesis


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The page was updated 1/21/2025