Paper-based vapor detection of hydrogen peroxide: colorimetric sensing with tunable interface

Vapor detection of hydrogen peroxide still remains challenging for conventional sensing techniques, though such vapor detection implies important applications in various practical areas, including locating IEDs. We report herein a new colorimetric sensor system that can detect hydrogen peroxide vapor down to parts per billion level. The sensory materials are based on the cellulose microfibril network of paper towels, which provide a tunable interface for modification with Ti(IV) oxo complexes for binding and reacting with H(2)O(2). The Ti(IV)-peroxide bond thus formed turns the complex from colorless to bright yellow with an absorption maximum around 400 nm. Such complexation-induced color change is exclusively selective for hydrogen peroxide, with no color change observed in the presence of water, oxygen, common organic reagents or other chelating reagents. This paper-based sensor material is disposable and one-time use, representing a cheap, simple approach to detect peroxide vapors. The reported sensor system also proves the technical feasibility of developing enhanced colorimetric sensing using nanofibril materials that will provide plenty of room to enlarge the surface area (by shrinking the fiber size), so as to enhance the surface interaction with gas phase.