Robust ionic liquid gas sensors for soil carbon sequestration monitoring
Low-cost, low-power ionic liquid-based multimodal gas sensor for continuous in situ monitoring of greenhouse gases in soils. Enables spatially and temporally expansive measurement of CO2 dynamics to support carbon cycling analysis and climate mitigation strategies.
Overview
Carbon sequestration in soils is a promising strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. This technology offers a low-cost, low-power multimodal gas sensor designed to deliver spatially and temporally expansive, continuous in situ measurements of dynamic greenhouse gas changes (such as CO2) in soils. By providing real-time data on spatial and temporal distribution of soil greenhouse gases, the sensor supports more accurate projections of future soil carbon cycling dynamics and helps validate sequestration efforts.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Ionic liquid (IL) sensing materials paired with single-frequency Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for reliable gas detection
- Miniaturized microfabricated planar electrochemical sensor with a small footprint suitable for minimally invasive soil deployment
- Wide operating temperature range of -15°C to 40°C for diverse field conditions
- Good sensitivity, reproducibility, and selectivity with demonstrated resistance to interference
- Future multimodal integration combining amperometric and impedance sensing modes to enhance sensitivity and specificity
- Planned multi-parameter integration including soil moisture and soil oxygen sensors alongside the CO2 sensor for comprehensive soil condition profiling
- Low-power and low-cost design suitable for scalable deployment across large land areas
Technology readiness level
The sensor has completed initial proof-of-concept validation, including continuous CO2 emission monitoring across a broad temperature range and promising preliminary testing in actual soil samples. Current readiness is at the lab-scale prototype stage (TRL 4–5). Next steps include further miniaturization, optimization of sensitivity and specificity through multimodal sensing integration, development of combined sensor systems with moisture and oxygen measurements, and full-scale prototype validation through both laboratory protocols and field benchmark tests against gold standard soil sensors and gas chromatography (GC).
About Oakland University
Oakland University is a public doctoral research university serving nearly 16,000 students on a 1,443‑acre campus spanning Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in southeast Michigan. Industry engagement is organized around an on‑campus SmartZone business incubator and the Oakland Business Engagement Center, a single entry point to faculty, facilities, and partnerships. A medical school aligned with the Corewell Health system enables clinical collaboration, while robust internship and co‑op pathways connect companies to talent across the Detroit region. Research is supported by competitive federal funding and by state and industry partners. A dedicated technology transfer function within the Research Office assists with IP evaluation, patenting, licensing, and startup formation.
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