Breakthrough in Flexible Ammonia Sensing Technology

Research from the Naval University of Engineering has led to the development of a high-performance flexible gas sensor capable of detecting ultralow concentrations of ammonia (NH3) in real-time. The innovative sensor, fabricated using a straightforward all-in-one synthesis technology, integrates sensitive materials with flexible substrates, making it an environmentally friendly and highly selective option for detecting ammonia in exhaled gases. The sensor's exceptional performance has been demonstrated under various operating conditions, including high humidity and deformation.

Key Takeaways:

• The sensor material is composed of a nontoxic and environmentally friendly cellulose-based material and a biomass acid, ensuring environmental safety during exhaled gas detection.
• The sensor displayed excellent selectivity for NH3 over a range of interfering gas species, achieving a significant NH3 response (Za/Zg = 5.30) for 20 ppm NH3.
• The actual detection limit of the sensor was 300 ppb at room temperature under high humidity conditions (80% RH).
• The sensor's performance was extensively examined using complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) techniques.
• The research demonstrated the sensor's capability to detect simulated exhaled gases, showcasing its potential in this application area.
• The sensor's flexible nature allows it to work under deformation conditions without compromising its sensing performance.
• The research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Key R & D Program of Zhejiang.

Statistics:

• NH3 response (Za/Zg = 5.30) for 20 ppm NH3.
• Actual detection limit: 300 ppb at room temperature under high humidity conditions (80% RH).
• Selectivity for NH3 over interfering gas species.
• Performance evaluated using complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) techniques.

Sources:

• "High-performance Flexible Gas Sensor for Ultrasensitive Ammonia Detection Via Straightforward All-in-one Synthesis Technology." Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 2025; 441.
• Naval University of Engineering.
• Lichao Liu, Naval University of Engineering, Coll Naval Architecture & Ocean Engn, Wuhan 430033, People's Republic of China.
• NewsRx. Study Data from Naval University of Engineering Provide New Insights into Engineering (High-performance Flexible Gas Sensor for Ultrasensitive Ammonia Detection Via Straightforward All-in-one Synthesis Technology). Journal of Engineering. October 20, 2025; p 5086.