Korean researchers develop sensor to quickly detect carcinogens

Harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds or V-O-Cs are found easily in the air and soil, and are known to cause cancer.
However, in a potential brekathrough,... local researchers have developed a sensor that can easily and quickly detect the substances on the spot.
Park Se-young reports.
The typical smell of paint or gasoline comes from Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
Aside from the smell, the substances form ozone and fine-dust particles, and are known to cause neurological disorders.
Prolonged exposure to even a small amount poses health risks, …but analysing VOCs requires large and expensive equipment.
Now, Korean researchers have developed a sensor that can quickly detect the substances and change color.
The sensor was made by combining photonic crystal particles with silicon that expands in contact with VOCs, and does not require power.
To increase detection speed, the researchers applied the "easy cut" technology in coffee mix packaging.


"To have fast detection speed, we developed a technology that removes unnecessary elements. The chip is directly exposed to harmful substances so it can change color quickly.

When the researchers pour ethanol, a VOC, onto the sensor, it takes just two seconds to change color.
This is 3000 times the speed of existing sensors.
The sensor was also able to quickly detect gases like benzene and toluene on the spot.


"Since the readings are displayed as traffic light colors instead of numbers, people can easily sense the danger. It's intuitive, easy to use and doesn't need power."

The researchers are now working on increasing the sensor's sensitivity so it only detects certain substances.
Park Se-young, Arirang News.