Roya Maboudian (Advisor)

Chemiresistive hydrogen sensors employing metal oxides (MOX) are known for their high sensitivity, ease of fabrication, and cost-effectiveness. However, the poor dispersion of the MOX nanomaterials on the sensing platform can degrade the gas-sensing performance of films prepared using the drop-casting method. In this research, we have synthesized an amphiphilic copolymer, poly(tetrafluoro propyl methacrylate)-co-poly(oxyethylene methacrylate) (PTPO), using a facile free-radical polymerization technique. The PTPO copolymer serves as a surfactant, significantly enhancing the dispersion of...

The persistent use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has resulted in their accumulation in ecosystems and biomagnification in humans, posing severe health risks, including kidney, breast, and testicular cancers, along with metabolic disruptions. However, the lack of platforms capable of simultaneous PFAS self-adsorption and self-detection has limited eco-friendly solutions, hindering effective PFAS management. Herein, we introduce an eco-friendly cellulose-based nanosensor platform capable of PFAS separation and monitoring through self-adsorption and self-sensing....

Metal oxide semiconductors (MOX) such as SnO2 are widely used in chemiresistive gas sensors due to their high chemical and thermal stability, low cost, and tunable chemical and electronic properties. The introduction of porosity to the MOX structure enhances their gas-sensing properties by increasing the surface area available for interactions with gas molecules. This higher surface area enhances the sensor's sensitivity by providing more active sites for gas adsorption. Also, a faster response/recovery time can be obtained as gas molecules can more quickly interact with a...