Chemical Sensor Array That Can Differentiate Complex Hydrocarbon Mixtures Dissolved in Seawater

摘要

Sensor arrays of gold nanoparticle chemiresistors have been used to examine several analytes dissolved in water. The partial selectivity of the individual sensors in the array means that they give different patterns of responses upon exposure to different analytes. Discriminant analysis of these response patterns demonstrates the capability of the sensor array to differentiate between the analytes. The sensor array has successfully detected and differentiated seawater spiked with low concentrations of crude oil, diesel and three blends of gasoline. The sensor array also differentiated water samples with low concentrations of toxic aromatic compounds. This demonstrates the potential to use this sensor array for oil prospecting or as an environmental monitor.