Nano-engineered surfaces developed for mercury sensing

TL;DRAbstract

Mercury is highly toxic but often neglected element that is readily emitted into the environment via a number of industrial processes. In Australia, coal-fired power plants and the alumina industry are the two largest emitters of mercury. In order to maintain the alumina industry’s commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its processes and remain economically sustainable, innovative technologies are required that can monitor mercury concentrations within its processes. The aim of this research project was to develop robust quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) based sensors for measuring Hg vapour levels in challenging industrial environments, such as those found in the alumina industry (i.e. Hg concentrations of 1-40 mg/m3 at 20-90°C).<br><br>In order to gain a deeper understanding of Hg vapour interactions with the surface of the QCM electrodes, parameters such as Hg sorption and desorption rates, sticking probability and Hg diffusion were studied in detail. When Hg diffusion in

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