High Frequency Quartz Micro Balances: A Promising Path to Enhanced Sensitivity of Gravimetric Sensors

Abstract

An array of 50 MHz quartz microbalances (QMBs) coated with a dendronizedpolymer was used to detect small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the gasphase. The results were compared to those obtained with the commonly used 10 MHzQMBs. The 50 MHz QMBs proved to be a powerful tool for the detection of VOCs in thegas phase; therefore, they represent a promising alternative to the much more delicatesurface acoustic wave devices (SAWs).

Keywords

• Quartz micro balances
• electronic noses
• dendronized polymers
• inverted mesa technology.