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Detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using quartz crystal microbalances
S Stanley1, C J Percival, M Auer
1Department of Chemistry and Physics, The Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK.
Analytical Chemistry
|April 23, 2003
Summary
A new piezoelectric sensor detects polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in liquids. This sensor uses a chemically modified quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) for sensitive PAH analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant environmental pollutants.
- Accurate detection of PAHs in liquid phases is crucial for environmental monitoring.
- Existing methods for PAH detection can be complex and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel chemically coated piezoelectric sensor for determining PAHs in liquid samples.
- To investigate the sensor's performance, including sensitivity and response range.
- To explore the potential application of the sensor in environmental PAH flux assessment.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor with a chemically modified gold electrode.
- Attachment of an organic monolayer and an ionic recognition element (9-anthracene carboxylic acid) via thiol-gold linkage.
- Detection of PAHs through pi-pi interactions, monitored via QCM frequency shifts.
Main Results:
- The developed sensor demonstrated a detectability limit of 2 ppb for PAHs.
- The sensor exhibited a response range from 0 to 50 ppb.
- Differential sensor responses were observed for various PAHs, indicating selective interaction.
Conclusions:
- The chemically coated piezoelectric sensor offers a sensitive method for PAH determination in liquid phases.
- The sensor's ability to differentiate between PAHs suggests potential for identifying marker compounds.
- This technology could provide valuable insights into overall PAH levels and environmental flux.