Dual-Functional Antenna Sensor for Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Isopropanol Gas Using Optimized...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sensor Technology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate monitoring of isopropanol (IPA) is vital for industrial and laboratory safety.
• High IPA concentrations pose significant health risks.
• Existing detection methods may lack sensitivity or dual functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel dual-functional antenna sensor for IPA gas detection and concentration estimation.
• To integrate high-performance sensing materials with wireless communication capabilities.
• To achieve high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability for IPA detection at room temperature.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of optimized molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites.
• Functionalization of interdigitated electrode (IDE) structures for gas sensing.
• Coupling IDEs with a single-port monopole antenna for a dual-function sensor.
• Characterization of material properties and sensor performance.

Main Results:

• The MIP/MWCNT composites showed homogeneous formation and excellent sensing properties.
• The antenna-based sensor demonstrated high selectivity, sensitivity, and stability for IPA detection.
• The sensor achieved a detection limit of 18.8 ppm, below safety thresholds, with uninterrupted wireless communication.

Conclusions:

• The developed antenna gas sensor offers superior performance compared to chemiresistive sensors.
• This dual-functional sensor represents a significant advancement for next-generation gas sensing technologies.
• The sensor platform ensures safety through accurate IPA monitoring without compromising communication.