Why
do you think your paper is highly cited?
|
“ Our
research is intended for the well-being of human
beings all across the world.” |
|
This paper is related to the fabrication of RuO2-ZnO-based
NH3 gas sensors. We have modified the ZnO
material so that it shows a very high sensitivity, even to a
very small amount of NH3 gas which occurs at a
relatively lower operating temperature. We have developed
and adopted a new technique (dipping) for the modification
of sensor surfaces. Such modified surfaces show a very high
selectivity of NH3 gas against other gases. This
work is important because we have developed sensors which
could indeed benefit larger sections of society.
Does
it describe a new discovery, methodology, or synthesis of
knowledge?
It describes a new and very simple methodology for
modifying sensor surfaces for the selective detection of
gases.
Would
you summarize the significance of your paper in layman’s terms?
Ammonia is very important gas, which is indirectly
related to the activities of laymen. Ammonia is produced and
utilized extensively in many chemical industries, fertilizer
factories, refrigeration systems, food processing, medical
diagnosis, fire power plants, etc. A leak in any of these
systems can result in exposure to serious health hazards.
Ammonia is quite harmful and toxic by nature. Exposure to
ammonia causes chronic lung disease, irritation, and even
burning of the respiratory tract, etc.
Environmental pollution is a burning global issue.
Pollution has raised its ugly head high above the global
environment. Therefore, all industries working on and with
ammonia should have a very sensitive detection and warning
system for dangerous ammonia concentrations. Efforts are,
therefore, made to develop the ZnO-based NH3 gas
sensors which could monitor ammonia gas.
How
did you become involved in this research, and were there any
problems along the way?
Some of our friends are employed either in chemical
industries, fertilizer factories, food processing, etc. They
are always discussing the potential problems they are facing
while at work in their plants and expecting solutions from
me. These friends are a major driving force for the
initiation and continuation of this research along the area
of gas-sensing, in general, and NH3-sensing in
particular. There were many problems encountered along the
way, but tackling them has been my personal moral
responsibility.
Where
do you see your research leading in the future?
Sensors fabricated from bulk materials have some inherent
limitations. We have, therefore, switched over to "nanomaterials-based
gas sensors," which could show an outstanding gas-sensing
performance. The Government of India has sanctioned me to
lead their "Major Research Project" to develop nanomaterials
for gas sensing.
Are
there any social or political implications for your research?
Our research is intended for the well-being of human
beings all across the world.
Dr. L. A. Patil
Reader in Physics
Material Research Laboratory
P.G. Department of Physics
Pratap College
Maharashtra, India
(Affiliated with North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, India)
