Method For Rapid In Situ Detection Of Ammonia

Brief Description

This invention, a simple and robust method for ammonia detection, offers high-speed in situ quantification of ammonia concentrations with high sensitivity. The ammonia detection system does not require complex instrumentation, analysis, or labeling, which would allow for widespread adoption in chemistry-based fields and surrounding disciplines.

Suggested uses

• High-speed, in situ detection of ammonia concentration. 
• Environmental monitoring 
• Wastewater treatment 
• Agriculture and aquaculture 
• Food analysis 
• Biomedical research

Features/Benefits

• Speed: capacity for fast, real-time chemical characterization in situ. with integration time of one second 
• Sensitivity: detection down to 10ppm 
• Cleanliness: extremely localized, preventing contamination from environment. 
• Reusability: substrate can be used multiple times. 
• Simplicity: substrates are commercially available – would not have to rely on complex manufacturing.

Technology Description

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine invented a surface-enhanced Raman non-contact technique, which operates without having to alter the sample and allows for high speed in situ ammonia detection in liquids. It has higher sensitivity than “real-time” techniques in liquid such as real-time Ion-Selective Electrodes and is reusable, unlike dry calorimetry.

State Of Development

Prototype has been developed and validated for efficacy, achieving a sensitivity of 10 ppm with a 1 second integration time.

Patent Status

Additional Patent Pending