Eco Factor: Pollution sensing nano-sensors powered by solar energy.
The Queensland University of Technology has been awarded a $1.3 million grant to develop solar-powered nano-sensors which could detect pollution and monitor the environment in remote areas. Researchers at the university have stated that the nano-sensors will use very little power and will provide a more accurate picture of what is happening in the environment, and will also help farmers monitor their crops in remote areas.
The sensors are contained in self-contained boxes which could be placed where needed. The devices are tiny carbon tubes with a diameter of a few millionths of a millimeter, which will be covered with hair-like sensing modules. This unique structure increases the sensitivity of the detector, since it increases the exposed surface area. The energy-efficient sensors will be powered by a new kind of solar cell developed in Australia by Dyesol that would transmit data to monitoring stations using radio or a UMTS system.
Via: QUT [Press Release]
