Grant: Alliance Grants

This project aims to develop a low-cost multi-sensor platform for the early detection of wildfires, addressing a critical need in Canada. Traditional sensing methods suffer from line-of-sight limitations (resulting in time lags and coverage gaps) and cost challenges. Our solution focuses on next-generation, printable gas sensors. By developing innovative printable nanocomposites and advanced device architectures, we aim to create low-cost sensors (designed for unobtrusive placement in forests) that can accurately detect carbon dioxide emissions from wildfires in real time with cutting-edge performance. Engineered to operate at room temperature, they will consume significantly less power compared to current technologies, enabling further cost reductions. By developing low-cost, low-power gas sensors, we envision the deployment of these devices on an unprecedented scale compared to conventional gas sensors, enabling early wildfire detection with higher spatial resolution and reliability. This project bridges scientific advancements in printable materials and devices with practical applications, addressing the severe societal, economic, and environmental challenges posed by wildfires in Canada.