Graphene-Coated Graphite Optical Sensor for Wide-Area Gas Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-cost (LC) observation equipment for greenhouse gas concentrations lacks accuracy and is limited to small areas due to direct contact with the atmospheric environment, preventing wide-area measurements.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor element utilizing a graphite column coated with graphene layers, which generates photoelectrons through the photoelectric effect for accurate greenhouse gas concentration measurement over a wide area, utilizing a bundle structure of graphite rods and graphene layers to facilitate rapid electron movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If existing low-cost observation equipment uses direct contact measurement with atmospheric environment, then measurement can be implemented, but measurement area is limited to small areas and accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system (light source, optical path, detector) between the sensor and atmospheric environment, allowing remote measurement without direct contact. This enables wide-area monitoring while maintaining measurement accuracy through optical detection of greenhouse gas concentrations along the measurement path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical direct-contact sensors with an optical measurement system. By using light interaction with greenhouse gases (absorption spectroscopy), the system achieves non-contact measurement, expanding the measurable area while maintaining precision through optical detection methods.
2Reliability
If optical sensor element uses graphite column with graphene layers, then photoelectron generation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structure combining graphite column with graphene layers. The graphite provides structural stability and photoelectron generation, while the graphene coating enhances electron transport efficiency. This composite approach improves reliability through synergistic material properties while the process remains integrated in single manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes manufacturing parameters including graphite rod dimensions (diameter 0.5-2mm, length 5-20mm), graphene layer thickness (1-10 layers), and sintering conditions (temperature 1000-2000°C, pressure 10-100MPa). By controlling these parameters, the system achieves high photoelectron generation efficiency while managing manufacturing complexity through parameter optimization rather than process complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The optical sensor element provides high sensitivity across various wavelengths and accurately measures greenhouse gas concentrations by reflecting atmospheric environmental variables, enabling stereoscopic monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
An optical sensor element utilizing a graphite column coated with graphene layers, which generates photoelectrons through the photoelectric effect for accurate greenhouse gas concentration measurement
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
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AI summary
Proposed is an optical sensor element including a graphite column including one or more graphite rods, one or more graphene layers partly or entirely covering each of both ends of the graphite column, and one or more graphene layers partly or entirely covering the outer circumferential surface of the graphite column. In addition, an optical sensor for measuring the concentration of a greenhouse gas is proposed and the optical sensor includes the optical sensor element.