LU bags Indian patent for advanced gas sensor tech

Lucknow: Lucknow University was awarded Indian patent for advanced gas sensor technology. A team of five teachers, including a research scholar, was granted the patent titled ‘A Gas Sensor Utilizing Cobalt Zinc Antimonate and Method of Preparation' for 20 years by Indian patent office in New Delhi on Saturday.According to LU officials, the patented sensors offer several important societal benefits. By detecting harmful gases at extremely low concentrations, they enable precise air quality monitoring and support effective pollution control, thereby contributing to cleaner environment. Their ability to identify toxic or flammable gases at an early stage enhances industrial safety by helping prevent accidents, safeguarding workers and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.Teachers Om Prakash, Abhinav Kumar, Anar Singh and research scholar inventors Devyani Srivastava from LU's chemistry department, along with physics teacher Satyendra Singh from Maharana Pratap Govt PG Hardoi College, conducted research in the field over five years."The breakthrough invention introduces gas sensor based on cobalt zinc antimonate, designed to deliver enhanced sensitivity, selectivity and long-term stability. The patented preparation method provides scalable and cost-effective pathway for developing next-generation sensors which hold promising applications in environmental monitoring, industrial safety and healthcare systems," said Om Prakash."Continuous monitoring of air pollutants and hazardous emissions promotes better respiratory health and helps reduce the risk of pollution-related diseases in both urban and rural areas. Moreover, the sensor can be produced through a cost-effective fabrication process, making the technology affordable and accessible even in resource-limited settings," said Anar Singh, another researcher from the team.Satyendra Singh highlighted that the innovation promoted India's self-reliance in advanced smart sensing technologies, reducing dependence on imports and fostering national capacity for indigenous technological development."The patent strengthens further LU's intellectual property portfolio and highlights the collaborative efforts of faculty, researchers and scholars across disciplines to create impactful solutions for pressing societal challenges," said Prof Abhinav Kumar.InfographicsBreakthrough Benefits Cleaner Environment: The sensor can detect harmful gases at very low concentrations, aiding in air quality monitoring and contributing to pollution control.Industrial Safety: Early detection of toxic or flammable gases will help industries prevent accidents, safeguard workers and ensure regulatory compliancePublic Health: By monitoring air pollutants and hazardous emissions, the sensor supports better respiratory health and disease prevention in urban and rural areas.Affordable Technology: Cost-effective preparation method ensures accessibility, enabling widespread deployment even in resource-limited settingsNational Innovation: Strengthens India's capacity for indigenous technology development in the field of smart sensors, reducing reliance on imports