p-Dimethylaminobenzaldehyde-based chemosensor for on-site sensing of ammonia precursor in concrete

A chemosensor for on-site sensing of ammonia precursor in concrete to avoid a problem of ammonia emission into the indoor space of concrete buildings was designed and implemented. It was found that aqueous extracts of concrete samples containing antifreeze additives and excreting ammonia were colored in the presence of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde. This phenomenon was used for the fast visual sensing of main ammonia precursor (urea) in concrete for the first time. The developed sensor consisted of a sensing solid phase based on an adsorbent modified with p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde. Various adsorbents were investigated for the immobilization of the reagent and it was established that silica adsorbent Silochrom C-120 provided effective retention of the reagent and Schiff's base formation during the sampling. Moreover, Silochrom C-120 modified with ascorbic acid was proposed to eliminate the oxidant interference. The sensor displayed excellent selectivity and sensitivity with the visual detection limit of 15 mg kg^-1 in terms of urea. The chemosensor was successfully applied by builders on different construction sites. Sample preparation and sensing times were about 2 min and 1 min, respectively.