Sensor devices comprising a metal-organic framework material and methods of making and using the same
Inventors
Wang, Alan X. • Chang, Chih-Hung • Kim, Ki-Joong • Chong, Xinyuan • Ohodnicki, Paul R.
Assignees
US Department of Energy • Oregon State University
Publication Number
US-9983124-B2
Publication Date
2018-05-29
Expiration Date
2036-02-09
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Abstract
Disclosed herein are embodiments of sensor devices comprising a sensing component able to determine the presence of, detect, and/or quantify detectable species in a variety of environments and applications. The sensing components disclosed herein can comprise MOF materials, plasmonic nanomaterials, or combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, light guides can be coupled with the sensing components described herein to provide sensor devices capable of increased NIR detection sensitivity in determining the presence of detectable species, such as gases and volatile organic compounds. In another exemplary embodiment, optical properties of the plasmonic nanomaterials combined with MOF materials can be monitored directly to detect analyte species through their impact on external conditions surrounding the particle or as a result of charge transfer to and from the plasmonic material as a result of interactions with the plasmonic material and/or the MOF material.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed concerns sensor devices comprising a sensing component able to determine the presence of, detect, and/or quantify detectable species in various environments and applications. The sensing components can comprise metal-organic framework (MOF) materials, plasmonic nanomaterials, or combinations thereof. The invention includes the coupling of light guides with these sensing components to provide devices capable of increased near-infrared (NIR) detection sensitivity for species such as gases and volatile organic compounds.
The problem being solved is the lack of highly sensitive and specific signal transduction methods for sensors using MOFs despite their high potential for chemical sensing. Existing infrared absorption sensors are expensive, not easily portable, and fiber-optic sensors have not demonstrated utility in certain applications like gas sensing due to low molecule density or selectivity issues. Additionally, many gases lack fundamental vibration bands in NIR regions, limiting the success of NIR optical fiber and optoelectronic detection methods.
The inventors have discovered that MOF materials can improve the sensitivity of absorption sensors and that combining MOFs with plasmonic nanomaterials further improves absorption efficiency. Such sensors can detect direct optical changes in MOFs or detect indirect changes via surface plasmon resonance influenced by interactions with an analyte. The disclosed devices can operate across various wavelengths including visible, UV, and different infrared regions, and can be used in sensor networks for monitoring species like CO2.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim relating to a light guide having a section modified with a MOF material, along with dependent claims specifying further features.
Light guide modified with a metal-organic framework material
A light guide comprising a section modified with a metal-organic framework material made of selected metals including copper, silver, gold, aluminum, zinc, cobalt, nickel, magnesium, manganese, iron, cadmium, beryllium, calcium, titanium, tin, chromium, vanadium, or combinations thereof, and an organic ligand selected from mono-, di-, tri-, or tetra-valent ligands; wherein the light guide does not comprise a grating.
Modification of the light guide section with a plasmonic nanomaterial
The section of the light guide modified with the metal-organic framework is further modified with a plasmonic nanomaterial comprising a metal oxide selected from indium oxide, tin oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, cesium oxide, zinc oxide, copper oxide, or gallium oxide; and a dopant selected from platinum, gold, tin, aluminum, niobium, or tantalum.
Specific physical characteristics of the light guide modification
The modified section of the light guide can be an exposed core surface area with surface area ranging from 0.01% to 10% of the light guide or a length of 5 cm to 15 cm. The modification can be physical or chemical coupling. Thin layers (1 nm to less than 500 nm) or thick layers (500 nm to 50 μm) of the metal-organic framework material can be coupled.
Operational and functional features of the light guide sensor device
The light guide delivers near-infrared light and can be a multi-mode or single-mode optical fiber. The device detects gases at concentrations ranging from 100 ppm to 500 ppm and exhibits response times from 0.1 seconds to 100 seconds.
Structural configuration of plasmonic nanomaterial with MOF
The plasmonic nanomaterial in the modified section can be fully encapsulated by the metal-organic framework material or embedded within internal pores thereof.
The independent claims focus on a light guide sensor device with sections modified by selected metal-organic framework materials that may be further enhanced by plasmonic nanomaterials, with particular structural, compositional, and operational parameters, enabling sensitive detection of gases by delivering near-infrared light.
Stated Advantages
The sensor devices provide increased near-infrared detection sensitivity for detectable species, such as gases and volatile organic compounds.
The devices are transportable, low cost, compact in size, and exhibit distributed sensing capabilities suitable for building sensor networks.
Combining MOF materials with plasmonic nanomaterials improves sensitivity and absorption efficiency beyond conventional devices.
The sensing components rapidly adsorb and release detectable species, allowing reusability and rapid response times (e.g., 0.1 to 100 seconds).
The devices can detect low concentrations of gases, achieving detection limits down to hundreds of ppm, with potential enhancement using different substrate choices.
Documented Applications
Determining the presence of detectable species including gases and volatile organic compounds in environmental samples such as air and gas.
Monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, for environmental protection.
Gas sensing in industrial settings such as gas lines, engines, pipes, and detection of gas leaks.
Detection of hazardous gases and compounds during use of explosives, fertilizers, and similar materials.
Implementing sensor networks comprising multiple sensor devices for large scale monitoring of detectable species.
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