CeNS Bengaluru develops ultra-sensitive room-temperature ammonia sensor
Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have developed a room-temperature ammonia sensor that detects the gas down to 319 parts per billion and can power itself from body motion.
Summary
Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology, have developed an ammonia sensor based on a hybrid vanadium oxide–vanadium sulfide (VOx/VS2) heterostructure, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on 14 July 2026. The sensor works at room temperature and detects ammonia down to 319 parts per billion, with reliability beyond ten weeks. Combined with a flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator, the sensor runs on power harvested from human motion, enabling portable, self-powered and wearable devices. The team led by Prof. Angappane Subramanian published the study in the journal ACS Sensors.
Key facts
- Institution
- CeNS, Bengaluru (autonomous institute of DST)
- Material
- VOx/VS2 heterostructure
- Detection limit
- 319 ppb at room temperature
- Power
- Self-powered via piezoelectric nanogenerator
- Lead
- Prof. Angappane Subramanian
- Journal
- ACS Sensors
Practice MCQs 1 questions
Which institution developed the room-temperature ammonia sensor based on a VOx/VS2 heterostructure, announced in July 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru
Researchers at CeNS, Bengaluru, an autonomous institution of DST, developed the sensor.