Using drones to track greenhouse gases: YSU and Prague university carry out joint research projects

Professor Mikayel Aleksanyan, Head of the YSU Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnologies, is currently implementing two major scientific projects with Dusan Kopecky, Associate Professor at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague.

The projects are "Design and Fabrication of Sensor Systems Based on Nanostructured Materials," funded as a result of the "Program for Strengthening Scientific Units 2024" competition, and "Synthesis and Application of One-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional Nanostructures in Flying Detectors for the Detection of Greenhouse Gases in the Atmosphere," funded as a result of the "Research Projects in Promising Fields 2024" competition.

As part of mutual visits, the scientists use both the high-value equipment available at YSU and the modern equipment of the Prague university, including SEM, TEM and XRD, to study the structure and properties of materials.

"We synthesize our nanostructures at the Scientific Center for Materials Science and Nanotechnologies, then send them to the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, or we take the samples there ourselves and study their properties using expensive equipment, including SEM, TEM and other devices. We carry out various measurements and publish the results in the form of scientific articles," Aleksanyan said.

The effective cooperation between Professor Aleksanyan and Associate Professor Kopecky is reflected in more than 20 joint scientific articles published in reputable international journals.

The research focuses on detecting greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor, and measuring their concentrations. The scientists use special drones to conduct measurements in different layers of the atmosphere in order to assess the level of air pollution and risk in different parts of Armenia.

"Under the first grant program, the emphasis was placed on the synthesis of nanostructures and the development of various types of sensors based on them, while the second program focuses on the detection of greenhouse gases, since the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has a significant impact on global warming," Aleksanyan said. He emphasized that they have already developed sensors that make it possible to determine the presence of specific gases in the atmosphere by measuring their concentrations.

"We are currently trying to measure the concentrations of greenhouse gases in different layers of the atmosphere, at different altitudes, using an expensive drone," he said.

Dusan Kopecky, Associate Professor at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, emphasized that, as part of the research being conducted at YSU, he is also working with Professor Aleksanyan's scientific group to build a system that will test the flexibility of the sensor.

"This means that we will know how the sensor behaves after multiple bends," he said.

Kopecky's research group in Prague develops sensors based on organic materials, as well as on combinations of inorganic and organic systems, particularly for pressure and strain testing.

"This is important, for example, in the medical field. We develop special sensors that can be embedded in smart mattresses. This will make it possible to monitor bedridden people and see how the mattress presses against their bodies in order to prevent a problem caused by lying in bed for a long time: pressure ulcers," he said.

Associate Professor Kopecky will conduct research at YSU for about one month. Earlier, in autumn 2025, Mikayel Aleksanyan visited the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague for 15 days to conduct joint studies and exchange experience.