Researchers from Incheon National University have unveiled a groundbreaking study aimed at combating electronic waste and air pollution. The main purpose of these breakthroughs is to address two important issues: the reduction of electronic waste and better monitoring of air quality.
The technology uses organic field effect transistors (OFETs), which are ideal for portable gas detection and ease of production. These sensors are specifically designed to detect pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, a harmful byproduct of fossil fuel combustion that has been linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.
To achieve the successful desired research results, the Incheon team combined two types of polymers: P3HT, an organic semiconductor, and PBS, a biodegradable material. The researchers prepare separate solutions of these polymers in chloroform before mixing them to create the final sensor layer.
How are polymer solutions applied to silicon surfaces to create sensors?
The project involved applying the polymer solutions to silicon surfaces to create the sensors. The choice of solvent had a significant influence on the resulting organization of the polymers. Sensors made with a combination of chloroform and dichlorobenzene were more effective and uniform, even when incorporating a high concentration of PBS.
In this regard, Professor Park said: “Our eco-friendly sensors combine sustainability with high performance. This helps reduce electronic waste, especially in natural environments such as oceans.”
Nevertheless, the biodegradable sensors are highly effective for future environmental monitoring, underscoring their potential to protect both the health of the planet and public well-being.
