Ultraviolet-sensing surfaces based on hybrid nanocomposites for radiation monitoring systems

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially the most energetic UV-C band, is one of the major variables that negatively affects materials performance in space environment. Our work is focused on the design and fabrication of novel nanocomposite films that combine highly conductive graphene nanoplatelets and biological UV-sensitive molecules, which can be used to measure the effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure in real time. UV sensor films were deposited on samples made of space-grade reinforced composites, which are generally used in spacecraft components and structures, and the variation of their electrical properties upon UV-C irradiation was investigated.