Gasoline properties determination with phononic crystal cavity sensor

• Phononic crystal sensors – a new sensor platform for liquid property determination.
• Absence of electrical components at point of measurement allows use in harsh environment.
• Application to a real multi-component liquid mixtures.
• Gasoline properties, specifically the octane number are measured.
• Regular fuel and E10 gasoline can be distinguished.

In order to optimize the combustion process, engine performance and meeting the EPA emission standards, information should be gained in real time about properties of gasoline, which is supplied nowadays in a wide range with different compositions. This study presents a new sensor platform based on a phononic crystal (PnC) sensor comprising a cavity and its application as in-line real-time measuring system to determine gasoline properties. The method is based on the analysis of the transmission spectrum of a phononic crystal sensor filled with the liquid gasoline blend. We could reveal a strong correlation between gasoline properties and the frequency of maximum transmission.Obtained experimental results show that the phononic crystal sensors can be considered as a prospective, competitive and inexpensive device specifically for ethanol in gasoline detection and distinguishing fuels with different octane numbers.