Development of a Gaseous Ammonia Sensor

Ammonia is a commonly found volatile organic compound which can be present in both liquid and gaseous forms. For many years, researchers have been interested in understanding the human body’s generation and excretion of ammonia as a byproduct of natural bodily functions. One method of excretion comes through outgassing from one’s skin. Many have hypothesized that this concentration may fluctuate as a result of changes in a subject’s health. This research provides the groundwork for two non-invasive sensor approaches for the detection of ammonia in a range relevant to the typical emanated gas concentration range. The developed sensors use electrochemical methods and two thin film approaches as interfaces for ammonia chemisorption. Ultimately, this work may provide an avenue towards the development a sensor capable of detecting outgassed ammonia from the skin of human subjects.