A low cost and high performance NH3 detection system for a harsh agricultural environment

Agricultural activities produce substantial amounts of ammonia (NH3), affecting agricultural ecology and resulting in environmental pollution. NH3 detection based on sensor technology in the field has long been a challenging topic. Detection can be hampered by multiple interfering gases, as well as fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which can cause signal failure. Here, a simple and systematized NH3 monitor coupled with a differential catalytic conversion method was designed to efficiently and continuously monitor NH3, independently of changes in the external environment. Overall, the catalytic conversion method of NH3 into NO2 increased the recognition of NH3 and excluded most interfering gases. With the addition of differential processing, the detection results were further refined by eliminating the influence of oxidizing interfering gases, temperature, and humidity. This method can be applied in various demanding environments to obtain accurate results and eliminate the background interference that has long plagued sensor research.