On 14 July 2026 researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru developed a portable, self‑powered wearable ammonia sensor with a detection limit of 319 parts per billion (ppb).
Device and materials
- Sensor material: hybrid vanadium oxide–vanadium sulfide (VOx/VS2) heterostructure.
- Heterostructure: layered system joining two functional materials to tailor electronic/chemical response.
- Operating temperature: room temperature (~20–25 °C).
- Detection limit: 319 ppb for NH3.
- Power: self‑powered prototype reported.
Form factors and systems
- Flexible substrates: polymer, paper and textile.
- Wearable prototypes: smart bands and electronic textile platforms.
- Portable monitor: threshold‑triggered classification into safe, warning and danger zones.
Performance characteristics
- Selectivity: discriminates ammonia from common interfering gases.
- Stability: reported reliable operation beyond ten weeks.
- Room‑temperature sensing: removes need for heating elements used in conventional metal‑oxide sensors.
Institutions and publication
- Developed by: Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology.
- Reported in: ACS Sensors (peer‑reviewed journal).