Detecting Danger at the Nanoscale: Technology to Improve Security, Environment

To detect various explosives, Ling Zang and colleagues are developing a broad range of sensory nanomaterials including highly sensitive nanowires.

About the Nano-Detection Team

  • USTAR innovator Ling Zang, Ph.D. leads a nanotechnology research team working on the leading edge of nanomaterial and nano-detection technologies. The team is developing applications in several key fields.  Their chemo-sensors will improve security by detecting explosives and other life-threatening chemicals. Detection technologies will allow environmental cleanup of mercury and other toxic compounds.  And, next-generation solar technology will help make renewable energy affordable on a mass scale. 

 
2008 Highlights

Mercurial Success

  • Innovated a fluorescence sensor for efficient detection of trace mercury.  
  • Developed a nanofibers-based optical sensor for high-sensitivity detection of organic amines and other life-threatening chemicals.
  • Filed two U.S. provisional patents based on the sensor techniques developed.
  • Began efforts to form a new company called MetalloSensors, Inc.
2009 Goals

A Sensor for High Security

  • Develop flexible sensing system for detecting a wide range of explosives.
  • Explore new types of solar cells for higher efficiency at lower cost.
  • Integrate sensor research with MetalloSensors business efforts to address mercury pollution in the Great Salt Lake area.
  • Target $1 million in funding from federal agencies to support the sensor and solar cell projects.
Fluorescence sensors for trace detection of mercury has broud commercial application, including helping mitigate pollution in the Great Salt Lake area.

Super-fine Safety Nets

The nanotechnology market is projected to be $750 billion worldwide by 2015. Zang and his colleagues are developing a new generation of sensing devices using nanowires that act as super-fine filters to catch single airborne molecules from explosives (such as TNT) or poisonous substances (such as mercury). Breakthroughs supported by USTAR will make our world a safer and healthier place.