Conductometric Sensor for PAH Detection with Molecularly Imprinted Polymer as Recognition Layer

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant environmental pollutants.
• Accurate detection of PAHs in water is crucial for public health and environmental safety.
• Existing detection methods can be expensive or complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective conductometric sensor for detecting PAHs in water.
• To investigate the suitability of molecularly imprinted polyurethane layers on screen-printed electrodes for PAH detection.
• To evaluate the sensor's sensitivity, selectivity, and detection limit.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a conductometric sensor using screen-printed interdigital gold electrodes on a glass substrate.
• Coating the electrodes with molecularly imprinted polyurethane layers.
• Testing the sensor's response to different PAHs in water, measuring changes in electrical resistance.
• Assessing selectivity towards templated PAH molecules and determining the detection limit for anthracene.

Main Results:

• Screen-printed interdigital electrodes proved effective as transducers for PAH detection.
• The sensor demonstrated good selectivity for its target molecules.
• High sensitivity was achieved, with a detection limit of 1.3 nmol/L for anthracene in water.
• The sensor's performance indicates suitability for low-cost environmental monitoring systems.

Conclusions:

• The developed conductometric sensor is a viable tool for sensitive and selective PAH detection in water.
• Molecularly imprinted polyurethane layers on screen-printed electrodes offer a promising platform for low-cost chemical sensing.
• The sensor's low detection limit meets or exceeds regulatory standards, highlighting its potential for environmental applications.