# Plasmonic sensor and field monitor for mercury

> **NIH NIH R44** · PICOYUNE · 2023 · $493,608

## Abstract

Project Abstract
Our proposed project, “Plasmonic sensor and field monitor for mercury,” will develop a highly portable
monitor for direct measurements of mercury in water and air. Gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic
sensing is low-cost, sensitive, and ideal for portable applications. The strong absorbance peak in visible
light from localized surface plasmon resonance and the stability of gold material make them ideal for
plasmonic sensing. We will apply our experience and intellectual property from developing plasmonic
mercury sensors to make a miniaturized plasmonic detector that will be incorporated into a robust and
simple field monitor. Extensive testing of the stability, sensitivity, and robustness of the technology will
be completed throughout the course of the project. The initial feasibility of the device will be
demonstrated for index of refraction sensitivity and mercury monitoring. The development of such a
unique device will benefit all parties concerned with mercury contamination and exposure. Mercury
monitoring costs hundreds of millions of dollars a year across diverse scientific, industrial, and
regulatory groups. The fundamental issue these groups address is protecting human health, and the
environment, from the risks of mercury pollution.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10686175
- **Project number:** 5R44ES032383-03
- **Recipient organization:** PICOYUNE
- **Principal Investigator:** Jay James
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $493,608
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10686175

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10686175, Plasmonic sensor and field monitor for mercury (5R44ES032383-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10686175. Licensed CC0.

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