Description: N5 Sensors partnering with George Mason University (GMU) have demonstrated ultra-small, low-power gas sensors, ideally suited for integrated space suit monitoring. A single-chip carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and ammonia (NH3) sensors capable of operating at high-humidity conditions, different range of oxygen in the environment and with low-power consumption was demonstrated as a proof-of-concept in phase I and subsequent improvement along with system-integration was demonstrated in phase II. This was accomplished by N5’s patented innovation in photo-enabled sensing utilizing nanotechnology-based hybrid chemiresistor architecture. This unique architecture combines the selective adsorption properties of the nanophotocatalytic functional material, with the sensitive transduction capability of sub-micron semiconductor GaN structures. N5 will have a 2-fold objective for this sequential phase 2 STTR project to support the over arching goal of technology infusion to both NASA programs and commercial markets and applications – 1) Improve the overall TLR of the project, and 2) Develop additional sensing capabilities suitable for both PLSS, space flight applications and also for ground based testing and other applications.

Benefits: Ultra low-power, miniature carbon dioxide sensors capable of operating at 100% oxygen environment has application in carbon dioxide monitoring for space suites for various EVA operations in space missions. In addition, carbon dioxide, ammonia and oxygen sensors also have ground-based applications such as testing with humans-in the loop for various portable life support systems evaluations.

Monitoring carbon dioxide as human occupancy indicator and subsequently controlling ventilation results into substantial energy savings for commercial buildings. Low-cost, calibration-free carbon dioxide sensors as a replacement for Non-Dispersive Infrared sensors can revolutionize demand controlled ventilation.