Selective polypyrrole electrodes for quartz microbalances: NO2 and gas flux sensitivities

Quartz microbalances were produced which have polypyrrole as a conductive polymer electrode. The polymer layers were operated as both electrode and sensitive material to detect the concentration of toxic gases. Tests with NO2 demonstrated detection limits below the MAK values at room temperature. It was also investigated the response to some other noxious compounds and to the total gas flux. The possible mechanisms associated with the sensor properties are pointed out and discussed.