Hierarchical Nanoceramics for Industrial Process Sensors. Final Technical Report from September 1, 2006 through March 31, 2011

摘要

Remarkable progress in nanotechnology has led to the development of new classes of materials with unprecedented control of structure, composition, defects, and resulting properties. A range of multifunctional ceramics, potentially applicable to high-temperature sensors, have been produced using templated synthesis and self or directed assembly. This bottom-up approach has also enabled production of hierarchical architectures not possible with traditional ceramic processing methods. This project developed a robust, tunable, hierarchical nanoceramics materials platform for industrial process sensors in harsh-environments. Control of material structure at multiple length scales from nano to macro increased the sensing response of the materials to combustion gases. These materials operated at relatively high temperatures, enabling detection close to the source of combustion. It is anticipated that these materials can form the basis for a new class of sensors enabling widespread use of efficient combustion processes with closed loop feedback control in the energy-intensive industries.