Research sheds light on sensor material behavior in harsh environments
Tuesday, December 15, 2015 - 09:50
in Physics & Chemistry
Surface characterization is important for determining how materials interact with their environment. Researchers rely on their understanding of how surfaces behave in order to improve the performance of materials being incorporated in sensors. DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory is developing optical gas sensors, capable of operating in harsh environments, which can be used to monitor and control critical processes in a variety of energy systems including coal gasification, solid oxide fuel cells, gas turbines, and oxy-fuel combustion. For example, using optical gas sensors to monitor and adjust the gas environment during coal combustion or gasification can enable more efficient coal utilization and improved power plant efficiency.