Selective real-time measurement of styrene vapor using a surface-acoustic-wave sensor with a regenerable...

The performance of a coated surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) sensor for monitoring styrene vapor is investigated. The effects of several organic co-contaminants and atmospheric humidity are described, and regeneration of the sensor coating is demonstrated. The dual-SAW delay-line oscillator employs a reagent coating of trans-PtCl2(ethylene)(pyridine) to trap styrene via ethylene substitution. The rate of change of the sensor frequency is used to provide real-time measurement of styrene vapor concentrations. No effect on the response to styrene is observed upon simultaneous exposure to each of several olefin and non-olefin solvent vapors used with styrene in industrial processes. Butadiene, however, presents a reversible negative interference by successfully competing with styrene for reaction with the trapping agent. The response to styrene exhibits a moderate positive humidity dependence. Following prolonged exposure, the original complex can be regenerated in situ by exposure to ethylene gas, permitting repeated use of the sensor. An emphasis is placed on the application of the sensor to workplace air monitoring.