Plasmon-resonance dew condensation sensor made of gold-ceramic nanocomposite and its application in condensation prevention

A dew condensation sensor using localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) on Au/ceramic nanocomposite (NCP) was demonstrated. The Au/ceramic NCP consists of Au nanoparticles dispersed in porous ceramic, and its absorption spectrum shows an LSPR peak, which is involved with dew condensation. The sensor was examined in a temperature- and humidity-maintained test chamber. As the temperature cooled down beyond the dew point from room temperature, the LSPR peak wavelength shifted from 570 nm to 605 nm. Furthermore, the NCP sensor responded to dew condensation at a temperature that is 3.8 °C higher than the dew point of the surrounding, as a result of capillary condensation on NCP pores of average 8.9 nm diameter. This characteristic makes the sensor applicable for dew prevention.