South Korean scientists from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have developed a technology to detect hazardous chemicals in the environment. The method involves using a regular smartphone camera to analyze the color of the sensors. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Advanced Materials (AdvMat).
The team designed the sensors based on a material called a metal-organic framework. Devices change color when exposed to various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These were created using six different solvents that produce different hues when in contact with one of 14 different VOCs.
By analyzing color changes using a mobile phone, the researchers were able to qualitatively and quantitatively detect low concentrations of harmful compounds that are difficult to recognize without special equipment.
Experts stated that the sensors work well even in high humidity conditions and that they can be used for various purposes such as detecting environmental pollution and preventing gas leakage.
According to the authors of the development, their technology has wide application possibilities, from detecting gas leaks to preventing man-made disasters and even terrorist attacks.
Previous scientists was created The world’s most sensitive “foxtail” detector – nitrogen dioxide smoke.