# Development of Novel  Ultrasensitive Devices for the Measurement of VOCs

> **NIH NIH P42** · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · 2020 · $149,972

## Abstract

Hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in environmental air have both acute and
chronic effects on human health. Gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-
MS) is the most common technology used for analysis of airborne VOCs. However, GC-MS is
not effective for on-site measurement of trace VOCs at Superfund sites. The overall goal of this
environmental science research project is to develop novel technologies for quantitative
analysis of trace VOCs in both the lab and for on-site measurement of toxic, airborne VOCs.
We will focus on measurements of acrolein, vinyl chloride, benzene and 1,3-butadiene. The
approach is to investigate chemoselective microreactors for capture of Superfund VOCs.
Microreactors provide superior advantages of miniaturized device size, very low cost, and fast
detection over current sorbent-based tube preconcentrators. We also will develop thiol-modified
gold nanoparticle gas sensor arrays for on-site detection of these VOCs. Functionalized thiols
will be synthesized to detect target VOCs at a concentration range from sub-ppb to a few ppm.
The thiols proposed for modification of gold nanoparticles will have functional groups and
structural motifs to specifically promote interaction with and recognition of target VOCs, thus
significantly increasing sensing selectivity and sensitivity. The sensors will work at ambient
temperature. This research project will lead to transformational technologies for quantitative
analysis of trace VOCs. The research is directly related to the overall goals of the Center for
investigating the effects of exposure to VOCs on inducing/exacerbating cardiometabolic
disease. The project will also have significant broader impacts on monitoring environmental air
and on promoting homeland security.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9904688
- **Project number:** 5P42ES023716-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- **Principal Investigator:** Michael H Nantz
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $149,972
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9904688

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9904688, Development of Novel  Ultrasensitive Devices for the Measurement of VOCs (5P42ES023716-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9904688. Licensed CC0.

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