Optical humidity and ammonia gas sensors using Reichardt's dye-polymer composites

Optical intensity reflected at 750 nm by Reichardt's betain dye-polymer (PMMA or PEO) composite increased with an increase in humidity and was not affected by ammonia vapor. For the composites treated with hydrochloric acid, the intensity at around 590 nm decreased with an increase in ammonia concentration, and the sensitivity was enhanced by the presence of water vapor. The treatment with hydrochloric acid induced the formation of phenolic group, O(-)H(+) and N(+)Cl(-) in the dye. The sorption of NH(3) decreases the ionic interactions.