Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
The application of sol-gel processed materials in a variety of sensors has been proposed. We describe microcalorimeter sensor devices employing sol-gel processed alumina based materials which can be used to monitor pollutants in automotive exhaust. These sensors operate by measuring changes in resistance upon catalysis and are economically acceptable for automotive applications. It is important to point out that automobiles will be required to have a means of monitoring exhaust gases by on-board sensors as mandated by the EPA and the California Air Resources Board (OBD-II).