Direct characterization and quantification of volatile organic compounds by piezoelectric module chips sensor

Although various gas sensors have been developed for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the simultaneous detection and identification of several targets by application of biomaterials together with chemicals are rare in one sensor system. In this study a six chips sensor module coated with synthetic polypeptides together with conducting polymers is used for the simultaneous detection and identification of VOCs such as acetic acid, butyric acid, ammonia, dimethyl amine, benzene, chlorobenzene and their mixtures, on a quartz crystal microbalance. The sensor module demonstrated sensitivity and selectivity for detection, and discrimination via characterized odor profiles of all tested VOCs. The relationship between measured values and vapor concentrations indicated a meritorious linear correlation. Principal component analysis of sensor module responses was used to discriminate between diluted or mixed VOCs. These results may useful for VOCs detection and discrimination in sensing applications.