University researchers say they have developed new technology that could could make smoke detectors far more sensitive to dangerous smoke than those currently on the market.
Photoelectric smoke sensors, that are most in use around the world today, detect larger smoke particles found in dense smoke, but are not as sensitive to small particles of smoke from rapidly burning fires.
To address this problem, researchers at the University of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute developed nanowires from zinc oxide and created a ultra-violet light detector which is 10,000 times more sensitive to UV light than a traditional zinc oxide detector.
“UV light detectors made from zinc oxide have been used widely for some time but we have taken the material a step further to massively increase its performance. Essentially, we transformed zinc oxide from a flat film to a structure with bristle-like nanowires, increasing surface area and therefore increasing sensitivity and reaction speed,” said Professor Ravi Silva, co-author of the study and head of the Advanced Technology Institute.
As well as the obvious implications for improved fire and gas detection, the researchers also believed the technology could be adapted to air pollution monitoring, as well as increasing speed in portable electronic devices.
“This is a great example of a bespoke, designer nanomaterial that is adaptable to personal needs, yet still affordable. Due to the way in which this material is manufactured, it is ideally suited for use in future flexible electronics, a hugely exciting area,” added Professor Silva.
Add Comment