BME688 VOC performance characteristics

[michaldepa]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in using one of the Bosch sensors, likely BME688, to detect viral particles in ambient air. I could not find enough information regarding VOC sensing performance characteristics in order to determine if BME688 or another sensor would be suitable for this application. Would someone be able to tell me if detection of viral particles is feasible with BME688, or point me in the right direction?

Thanks,

Michal

[BSTRobin]

Hello michaldepa,

Which detailed information you would like to know?

https://www.bosch-sensortec.com/media/boschsensortec/downloads/product_flyer/bst-bme688-fl000.pdf

[michaldepa]

Hi,

I am looking for information regarding the sensitivity of the VOC sensor and whether it can differentiate between different compounds. Again, specifically if it can be used for the detection of viral particles in ambient air.

Thanks,

Michal

[NickXML]

Hi Michal,

I'm a lousy chemist, but I don't think viral particles would register as a VOC, so the sensor would not detect them directly.

The work I have seen on sensors capable of detecting viral particles use a very different approach to the BME688. See https://news.northeastern.edu/2020/07/17/could-this-new-gas-sensor-help-researchers-test-regularly-f... for an example.

-Nick

[BSTRobin]

Hello michaldepa,

BME688 could not detect virus particles.

The BME688 is the first gas sensor with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and integrated high-linearity and high-accuracy pressure, humidity and temperature sensors. The gas sensor can detect Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and other gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the part per billion (ppb) range.
You could get more information form here, https://www.bosch-sensortec.com/products/environmental-sensors/gas-sensors/bme688/