Real-time detection of hazardous volatile organic carbon using a quartz crystal microbalance sensor functionalized with a chitosan hydrogel/UiO-66 composite
摘要
Sensory layers of UiO-66, chitosan hydrogel, and a chitosan hydrogel/UiO-66 composite were fabricated and evaluated as functional coatings for quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) gas sensors targeting methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), a representative volatile organic compound (VOC). At identical analyte concentrations, sensitivities of 23.47 Hz/ppm, 5.10 Hz/ppm, and 11.35 Hz/ppm were obtained for UiO-66, chitosan hydrogel, and the composite film, respectively, indicating the highest sensitivity for pristine UiO-66 and intermediate performance for the composite. Long-term stability tests over two months showed response retentions of 91.1% for UiO-66 and 80.2% for the composite sensor. Although the composite does not surpass UiO-66 in sensitivity or stability, it offers improved response dynamics, better film uniformity, and a more cost-effective fabrication route while maintaining reliable VOC detection capability. These results highlight the potential of MOF–hydrogel composite films for practical environmental and industrial monitoring applications.
Graphical Abstract