A new device has been developed that can detect whether alcohol has been mixed with methanol in just two minutes. Additionally, the device can read whether patients are suffering from methanol poisoning by analyzing their breath. The production of alcoholic beverages under unprofessional conditions, particularly in developing and emerging countries, often results in methanol being added to the drinks. Methanol is harmful to human health, even in small amounts, and can lead to blindness and death. The distinction between methanol and ethanol requires complex chemical analysis, which is often unavailable in poorer countries. The new device, developed by scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, uses a compact metal oxide sensor to detect whether a drink contains only ethanol or also dangerous methanol. The device can also detect methanol poisoning from a patient’s breath.
The new device is a significant improvement over existing metal oxide sensors, which can detect alcohol vapors but cannot differentiate between methanol and ethanol. The new device uses a tube with porous polymer to separate ethanol and methanol, which is then pumped through the device. Methanol molecules are smaller than ethanol molecules, so they reach the sensor first and can be distinguished. The device has already been tested in the lab and can detect even the smallest amounts of methanol, far below the legal limit. The scientists have patented the technology and plan to develop a market-ready device that can be used by non-experts. The device could be used by police, doctors, and authorities in developing countries, as well as for quality control in distilleries and to detect methanol leaks in industrial plants.
The device’s potential applications are significant, particularly as methanol can be produced from CO2 and hydrogen and used as a fuel for methanol fuel cells to power cars. The device’s development is a significant step forward in detecting methanol in alcoholic beverages and methanol poisoning in patients. The device’s simplicity and low cost make it an ideal tool for use in developing countries, where methanol poisoning is a significant problem. The device’s potential use in detecting methanol leaks in industrial plants is also significant, as it could prevent accidents and improve safety.
