Identification number: OSI_PIP_BioPhoT-2025/2-0091
Type: National Research Program - BioPhoT project
Duration: 01.03.2026. - 31.10.2026.
Project manager: Ph.D. Arturs Bundulis, Institute of Solid State Physcis, University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
ISSP UL funding: 147 000 EUR
Project description:
POLYMONIA is a commercialization project aimed at developing a new prototype of an ammonia sensor using polyaniline (PANI) films as the sensing material. PANI changes its electrical resistance by selectively responding to the presence of ammonia. Due to its high stability in ammonia environments, PANI-based sensors are particularly attractive for settings with constant ammonia exposure, such as poultry farms. Despite extensive research, there are currently no commercial ammonia sensors on the market based on conductive polymers. One of the technical challenges is the sensors sensitivity to other environmental conditions present in farm settings. POLYMONIA addresses this challenge by integrating additional elements based on PEDOT:PSS for temperature compensation, with plans to also incorporate humidity and CO2 sensors in the future. The project targets four key criteria of modern sensors: long lifetime (polymers are more resistant to ammonia than inorganic materials), low cost enabled by solution-based coating technologies, compensation for varying environmental conditions, and technological integration through wireless solutions. The goal of the project is to increase the technology readiness level to TRL4 by developing a prototype capable of detecting ammonia concentrations in the range of 0 to 100 ppm with a sensitivity of 1 ppm. In parallel, materials research, process optimization, and market analysis will be carried out to support further development and commercialization.
POLYMONIA aligns with Latvia’s Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) priorities in photonics and smart materials by introducing a new class of cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally adaptive ammonia sensors for agricultural applications.