Now an e-nose will sniff volatile organic compounds

UNITED KINGDOM: Peratech, a UK based company has developed an electronic nose that can detect harmful substances in the environment. The electronic nose can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can recover within few seconds.

The new sensor technology has been developed using Peratech’s Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTC) material that could be integrated into paper or clothing.

When a force is applied, QTC materials change their resistance and the polymer content of the composite swells when exposed to VOCs.

"The electronic nose application was developed in conjunction with the Quantum Tunnelling Composite research group at the University of Durham. We are now looking for companies who are interested in licensing the technology from us to develop products," said David Lussey, CTO, Peratech.

Conductive particles are used in QTC electronic nose that has nano-sized features and are distributed in a non-conductive polymer. When a force is applied or swelling occurs, the particles move close enough for the electron flow between the particles to alter due to an effect called Quantum Tunnelling.