CoastalQuant HCHO Research
We are developing a measurement system and validation methodology to assess indoor formaldehyde in the presence of interfering gases, and understand when a result can be trusted.
Research focus
Selectivity, signal analysis,
and measurement reliability
Development directions
Trends and investigation
of potential HCHO sources
Target molecule
HCHO
Formaldehyde
in indoor air
The program will test whether a candidate prefilter can reduce interfering gases before they reach the sensor while allowing formaldehyde to pass through for measurement.
Can interference be reduced without losing the formaldehyde signal?
Illustrative architecture · no measured results
About CoastalQuant
CoastalQuant develops environmental measurement technologies and reproducible evaluation methods for buildings and construction.
Its current focus is CoastalQuant HCHO Research: a formaldehyde measurement system and a reproducible method for evaluating its performance. The work connects instrument development with the practical questions raised by construction, renovation, and building use.
Meet the founderEVIDENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Intended applications & development
Our first focus is formaldehyde screening. Beyond that, we plan to evaluate how measurements can reveal changes over time and help investigate potential sources.
Does this space need further investigation?
Formaldehyde screening after construction, renovation, and before occupancy. The intended role is to help determine when confirmatory laboratory testing or further investigation is warranted.
Explore this applicationIs the concentration changing over time?
Future studies will assess trends and comparisons between conditions, accounting for drift, humidity, interfering gases, and gaps in usable data.
Explore this applicationWhere and when should we look more closely?
A development direction for comparing locations, activities, and building conditions to support investigations of potential formaldehyde sources.
Explore this applicationTrend analysis and support for source investigation require separate validation. A change in concentration alone does not establish its cause or predict what happens next.
HCHO Research Studies
R01
PlannedWhen should a formaldehyde estimate be reported, and how much recovery time is needed before the next measurement?
View study & progressR02
PlannedHow does water affect the relative binding of formaldehyde and ethanol on functionalized carbon prefilter models?
View study & progressR03
PlannedUnder which flow, humidity, and loading conditions can a cartridge retain ethanol while allowing formaldehyde to reach the sensor?
View study & progressDevelopment & validation
The program aims to produce both an evaluated measurement system and a reproducible evaluation protocol. Progress is tied to evidence and readiness criteria.
Current focus · Engineering preparation
01 · Target
Prepare the research prototype and test system for laboratory evaluation.
02 · Target
Evaluate formaldehyde measurement across interfering gases and environmental conditions.
03 · Target
Evaluate a locked model on data not used in development, with independent reproduction of the analysis.
04 · Target
Assess the measurement system in buildings through a pilot and conditional expansion.
05 · Target
Share the evaluation method, findings, and supporting research materials.
Target dates follow the adopted validation plan. Timing may evolve with research findings and readiness.
Explore the development roadmapPublished journal article
Quantum Reports ·
An IBM Quantum experiment examines how a quantum kernel preserves the structure of a fixed set of indoor-air data. The result does not establish forecasting or quantum advantage.
Read published article (opens in a new tab)Planned study · R04
A separate proposed study would examine quantum methods for materials alongside classical calculations.
View R04 study & progressThe planned quantum materials study follows a separate research schedule; dates have not been set. These studies do not establish the performance of the formaldehyde measurement system.
Questions about the project
A candidate system for measuring formaldehyde in indoor air and a reproducible method for evaluating its performance. The program brings together selectivity research, sensor-response analysis, and checks on measurement reliability.
Support for source investigation is a planned secondary use requiring separate validation. A concentration change can help form a hypothesis, but identifying a source also requires information about materials, activities, ventilation, and appropriate confirmatory checks.
Trend analysis examines changes in observed measurements. Predicting future concentrations is a different task and is not an established capability of this project.
The measurement program is in research and development; no product or service is currently available. We welcome conversations about research, engineering, and future field collaboration.
Reference laboratory methods are part of the planned evaluation of the system. Screening alone does not diagnose an indoor-air condition, determine health risk, establish safe occupancy, or replace definitive laboratory analysis. The program does not cover building or product certification, regulatory compliance determinations, or employee exposure monitoring.
Research · engineering · future field studies
We welcome collaboration on reference measurements, controlled testing, sensor and material development, and future studies in buildings.