Bifunctional PM sensor for real-time monitoring of particulate matter

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K14834
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Structural/Functional materials
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Nagao Masahiro 名古屋大学, 環境学研究科, 講師 (40432223)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: PMセンサ / イオン導電体 / 活性酸素

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this research project, a bifunctional sensor to measure and purify particulate matter (PM) in diesel exhaust gas was developed in response to the growing interest in air pollutants. The carbon in the PM was burned by using the active oxygen generated during the electrolysis of water vapor in the exhaust gas. PM concentration can be estimated by detecting the current flowing through the sensor. It was also found that the carbon is burned by the electric current, which proves its self-purification potential. Furthermore, sensitivity of the proposed sensor was improved by developing a highly active electrocatalyst.

Free Research Field

電気化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究課題で開発を進めたPMセンサ素子は、PMの濃度と自己浄化機能を併せ持つセンサである。このセンサの動作原理は、排気ガスに含まれる水蒸気の電気分解により生成した活性酸素を用いて炭素成分を燃焼させるという新しいコンセプトに基づいている。検知と自己浄化の二機能を併せ持つため、センサ素子の構造をシンプル・コンパクトにできるだけでなく、リアルタイム性にも優れたセンサの開発に寄与すると考えられる。これにより、ディーゼル排気ガスに含まれるPMを適切に管理し、大気汚染物質の排出抑制につながると期待できる。