INGENIOUS

Innovative Nanostructured Optochemical Sensors

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s) and VOCs like benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX) are compounds of great social and environmental significance, are widely used in industry, in many different applications. However, they and can present serious medical, environmental, and explosion dangers. Because they are toxic even at parts per- billion concentrations, it is essential to know their concentration in the air, especially in industrial and populated areas. Measurement of these toxic compounds at trace levels in multi analyte mixtures is still a challenging task however, and involves the use of expensive laboratory bound equipment. This severely limits risk analysis and timely initiation of preventive measures in a working environment. The main objective of the INGENIOUS project is the development, evaluation and validation of novel ultra-sensitive and selective nanostructured optochemical sensors for the detection of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene) from complex mixtures. Within the sensor concept, nanoparticle-based materials with high selectivity and sensitivity will be created by combining principles of molecular imprinting and plasmonic enhancement of molecular fluorescence. Silica and polymer core-shell nanoparticles with molecularly imprinted shells will be used as building blocks of self-assembling colloidal aggregates acting as chemosensing elements. The sensing elements and microarrays of sensing elements will be obtained using modern printing technologies such as ink-jet and microcontact printing. The combined sensor elements will be implemented on a polymer foil format and validated as sensor transducers. The technology will be incorporated into an in-plane optical read-out platform and demonstrated for specific end user applications. The suggested approach will be used to create sensor devices capable of detecting relevant analytes in industrial processes, occupational health and plants safety like PAH'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A consortium of European and Russian scientists has developed a new generation of ultra-sensitive sensors for the detection of toxic chemicals. Since some of these chemicals are so dangerous, it is vital to know their concentration in the air, especially in industrial and populated areas.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) are important petrochemical compounds that are widely used in industry. However, measurement of these toxic gases in complex mixtures usually requires expensive laboratory equipment that severely limits preventive measures in a working environment.

The 'Innovative nanostructured optochemical sensors' (INGENIOUS) project, funded by the EU, was established to improve on the current and conventional detection techniques. Its aim was the development, evaluation and validation of novel ultra-sensitive and selective nano-structured optochemical sensors for the detection of BTX chemicals.

INGENIOUS project work involved several cutting-edge technologies, such as sensing materials based on nanoporous and hybrid polymer membranes, and on nanoparticles. The project demonstrated that polymer nanoparticles were less promising for this type of application than those based on silica.

To enhance the optical response of the sensing nanoparticles, the project team synthesised new classes containing metal cores. In addition, optimisation of the sensing layers led to the development of a polymer membrane that is easily scaled up and industrialised.

For future reference, the technology developed in the completed INGENIOUS project could enable the realisation of a compact device that can be used to monitor mixtures of BTX chemicals in real time. The relative simplicity and low cost of the system will enable its widespread use and improve the safety of those workers exposed to BTX chemicals in the EU's petrochemical industry.