NASA Ames Solid‑State CO₂ Sensor: Accurate Detection Across Temperature, Pressure, and Humidity

Detection of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is very important for environmental, health, safety, and space applications. Carbon dioxide is a harmful pollutant at higher concentrations due to its ability to displace oxygen in large concentrations. Current commercial sensors for CO₂ have issues and shortcomings, particularly with precision at different temperatures, pressures, and high humidity levels. NASA Ames has developed a patent-pending solid-state sensor configured for detection of CO₂ having a concentration within the range of about 100 parts per million (ppm) and 10,000 ppm in both dry conditions and high-humidity conditions.

The solid-state sensor achieves detection of high concentrations of CO₂ without saturation and in both dynamic flow mode and static diffusion mode conditions. The composite sensing material comprises oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (O-MWCNT) and a metal oxide; for example, O-MWCNT and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles. The composite sensing material has an inherent resistance and corresponding conductivity that is chemically modulated as the level of CO₂ increases.

The CO₂ gas molecules absorbed into the carbon nanotube composites cause charge-transfer and changes in the conductive pathway such that the conductivity of the composite sensing material is changed. This change in conductivity provides a sensor response for the CO₂ detection. The sensor is well suited for automated manufacturing using robotics and software-controlled operations.

The sensor does not utilize consumable components or materials and does not require calibration as often as conventional CO₂ sensors. Since the technology can be easily integrated into existing programmable electronic systems or hardware systems, the calibration of the sensor can be automated. The sensor can be easily integrated into existing electronic circuitry and hardware configurations including the hardware of a mobile computing device such as a smartphone or tablet device.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact NASA’s Licensing Concierge at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 202-358-7432 to initiate licensing discussions. Follow this link here  for more information.