← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Novel substrates, such as aerogels and porous, low density ceramics may increase the sensitivities of chemical reaction-based sensors for toxic vapors. These sensors are based on changes in color or thermal properties. Such sensors have the potential to be extremely sensitive.
Detection of toxic vapors from aerospace fluids such as propellants is vital to the protection of those working in and around spacecraft. Chemical reaction based sensors relying on changes in color, electrical or thermal properties have the potential to be extremely sensitive. One of the limiting factors to the sensitivity of these devices is the nature of the substrate which contains the active agent. New substrates can be coupled with, and tailored to, new and existing detection chemistries for increased sensitivity. Aerogels and porous low density ceramics may have promise of increasing sensitivity of chemical detection. Aerogels in particular hold promise because the detection chemistry is in three dimensions giving an increased optical path length resulting in increased sensitivity and increased dynamic range. Alternative indicator chemistries such as tetrabromoaurate will be evaluated with these new substrates.
More sensitive detection of toxic gases.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.