Sierra Astle

In-Operando DRIFT Spectroscopy of the Siloxane Poisoning of SMOX Gas Sensors

BIO:

Sierra Astle is a Materials Science PhD student at Colorado School of Mines. She is advised by Dr. Anna Staerz in the Colorado Center for Advanced Ceramics. Sierra received her Bachelors of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from Penn State University in 2023, graduating with honors. During her time at Penn State, Sierra conducted research on the structural properties of calcium aluminosilicate glass systems, doing molecular dynamics simulations with the goal of creating a statistical mechanics model to describe the entropy and enthalpy of formation of oxygen triclusters within the system. She also did work batching and characterizing novel low-carbon silicophosphate glass systems for their mechanical properties such as hardness and crack resistance. Her research investigates the siloxane poisoning of semiconducting metal oxide gas sensors using DRIFT spectroscopy. In her free time, Sierra enjoys hiking, bouldering, and learning to play guitar.

ABSTRACT

The siloxane poisoning of semiconducting metal oxide (SMOX) gas sensors is a well-known problem. Siloxane, a ubiquitous substance (found in silica-based oils, soaps, and even trace amounts in furniture) will irreversibly poison a SMOX sensor. The mechanism of which this poisoning takes place is unknown. This project will investigate the mechanism of how siloxane poisons SMOX sensors using Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to inform smart material design for future SMOX gas sensors.