Lobachevsky University scientists develop a new generation of sensors for electronic nose

UNN researchers are developing a new generation of sensors for the electronic nose. The project is supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation and will have a total funding of 21 million roubles by 2024. An electronic nose can detect and recognize smells and tastes using a matrix of sensors.

"We are creating a new generation of universal inorganic nanomatrices based on zinc, copper, tellurium, and bismuth oxides, which will provide the basis for electronic nose sensors," said Alexander Knyazev, project manager and UNN Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs.

According to Prof. Knyazev, electronic sensing of smell is indispensable for early warning of anthropogenic, chemical and biological threats, environmental monitoring, ensuring security in transport, healthcare and the food industry.

Scientists and engineers around the world are trying to make the electronic nose as small and portable as possible, low in energy consumption, while maintaining prolonged operational capability. This can be achieved by developing new sensitive materials.

The "sensitivity to odours" of the  e-nose being developed by UNN scientists  depends largely on the method used to synthesize the oxide systems.

Researchers at the UNN Department of Analytical and Medicinal Chemistry are planning to develop a novel, globally unparalleled direct one-step method for synthesizing oxides from high-purity elements by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition.

"This process will achieve the best purity and the highest electron mobility in the material, which will make the electronic nose sensitive even to low concentrations of substances, and sensor materials will acquire new properties," added Alexander Knyazev.

Also, research into the physico-chemical properties of the resulting materials will be carried out and the mechanisms for modification of the properties of the combined nanostructures will be analysed in the framework of the grant project.

"We know that evolution has been able to find unique solutions, and some living beings are exceptionally sensitive to odours. In a sense, we are taking up this challenge and working to ensure that successful technological solutions emerge," commented Mikhail Ivanchenko, UNN Vice-Rector for Research.