Ammonia sensors based on decorated Laser-Induced Graphene for Methanization Monitoring

• Grant number: 25/10436-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: July 13, 2026
• End date: January 12, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Bruno Sanches de Lima
• Grantee: Gustavo Cardoso Cecotti
• Supervisor: Brunet Jerome
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin (IFGW). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Institut Pascal, Campus Universitaire Des Cézeaux, France
• Associated to the scholarship: 25/01141-4 - Flexible gas sensors based on laser induced graphene and semiconductor metal oxides., BP.MS

Abstract

Several countries around the globe have been looking for renewable sources of energy to tackle the green housing effects and the climate crisis. The agricultural production of biomass and biogas through methanization have been pointed out as a clean and green source of energy with large scale capabilities. The methanization is an anaerobic process that generates biogas, mainly bio-methane, in an oxygen-free environment. Strongly depending from the nature of organic inputs, this process is susceptible to lead to ammonia (NH3) accumulation, which inhibits microbial activity and involves significant health risks to workers. Therefore, real-time, accurate NH3 monitoring is critical for both optimizing biogas yield and ensuring worker safety. This research internship proposal explores a novel sensor generation utilizing laser-induced graphene (LIG) for sensitive and selective ammonia detection. LIG is a 3D porous form of graphene synthesized via laser irradiation of carbon-rich materials, and it offers a scalable and cost-effective platform for sensor fabrication. By integrating LIG with nanostructured materials such as semiconductor metal oxides, we aim to enhance the sensing properties, particularly sensitivity and selectivity towards NH3 in humid atmospheres. This project will focus on the fabrication and characterization of LIG-based nanocomposites, evaluating their sensing performance under conditions relevant to methanization environments. The goal is to develop a robust, high performances and easy-use micro-sensor able to real-time monitoring of ammonia concentrations, contributing to improve bioreactor control and environmental safety. The evaluation will encompass sensitivity, stability, and selectivity (3S) against potential interfering gases present in methanization processes. (AU)