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Updated: May 1, 2026
A Sensitive Visual Method for the Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria
Published on: June 27, 2022
Carbon-based nanoreporters designed for subsurface hydrogen sulfide detection.
Chih-Chau Hwang1, Gedeng Ruan, Lu Wang
1Department of Chemistry, ‡Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, §Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, ∥The Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, and ⊥The Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University , 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States.
Polyvinyl alcohol functionalized carbon black nanoparticles can be injected into porous rock formations to detect hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels. The nanoparticles
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Accurate detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is crucial in various industrial and environmental applications.
- Existing H2S detection methods may face challenges in complex porous media like oil and water-saturated rock.
- Development of novel sensing materials for in-situ H2S monitoring is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel H2S sensor material based on functionalized carbon black.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of delivering and detecting H2S in porous rock environments using this material.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) functionalized carbon black nanoparticles.
- Incorporation of H2S-sensor moieties onto the functionalized carbon black.
- Pumping the functionalized nanoparticles through oil and water in porous rock samples.
- Quantification of H2S content via fluorescent enhancement of the sensor addends.
Main Results:
- The functionalized carbon black nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and demonstrated H2S-sensing capabilities.
- The nanoparticles could be effectively transported through porous rock saturated with oil and water.
- Fluorescent enhancement correlated with H2S concentration, enabling quantitative detection.
Conclusions:
- Polyvinyl alcohol functionalized carbon black with H2S-sensor moieties offers a promising approach for in-situ H2S detection in challenging porous rock environments.
- This technology enables real-time monitoring of H2S content, which is valuable for subsurface applications.
- The method provides a new avenue for developing advanced chemical sensors for complex geological formations.
