Micro/nano galvanic-coupled arrays for early and initial detection and prediction of dew condensation

[Display omitted] •Moisture Sensor could detect occurrence of dew condensation in initial and early stage with high accuracy in terms of dew point.•A stage prior to dew condensation was detected and distinguished quantitatively and accurately depending on the relative humidity below 100 % around the arrays.•Moisture Sensor can be an alternative to conventional hygrometer, especially in a high relative humidity region and expect prediction or premonition of dew condensation, which occurs on the actual target. Dew condensation is ubiquitous but its consequences are mostly catastrophic for building, crops, electrical devices, aviation industry, air conditioning and pharmaceuticals, therefore detection and it’s monitoring at early or initial stage are critically required for its prevention which cannot be realized by current technologies. Moisture Sensor can detect a small water droplet and distinguish its size with high accuracy and quick response by the galvanic action upon water getting attached and bridging adjacent arrays composed of different metals. In this study, it was applied to detect dew condensation. The experimental results showed that Moisture Sensor could detect occurrence of dew condensation in initial and early stage with high accuracy in terms of dew point. Moreover, a stage prior to dew condensation, presumably adsorption of water molecules, was detected and distinguished quantitatively and accurately depending on the relative humidity below 100 % around the arrays. Moisture Sensor also takes advantage of modifying its surface status such as wettability and temperature. It suggests that this sensing method can be an alternative to conventional hygrometer, especially in a high relative humidity region and expect prediction or premonition of dew condensation, which occurs on the actual target.