Cyclodextrin-based chemical microsensors for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

摘要

This is the final report of a one-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This project addressed the development of surface-acoustic-wave (SAW)-based chemical sensors for remote, real-time sensing in air, groundwater, and possibly soil, of chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons using innovative molecular self-assembly techniques. Our goal is parts per billion (ppb) sensitivity to specific aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons using cyclodextrin as the selective layer of a SAW-based mass sensor. We have demonstrated that SAW sensors can differentiate between compounds with similar composition, structure, and polarity. These efforts, however, can be enhanced by using sensor arrays and smart data processing systems. Secondly, ionic interactions provide a convenient way to fabricate thin films for sensor applications. The potential of these thin films for sensor applications is currently being evaluated. 3 figs.