QTF based methanol sensors

A methanol sensor based on polymer functionalized Quartz Tuning Fork (QTF) has been demonstrated. Thin polymer wires, formed of different polymers and with different additives, were used to form bridges between the two tines of the QTFs. The mechanical properties of the polymer wires, as well as the effective mass of the wires determine the resonant frequency of the QTF sensor. The interaction of the polymer wires with the analyte vapors caused a shift in resonant frequency of the sensor and this shift in frequency, as well as the quantum of shift was measured to determine the selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor to the analytes. The effect of ethanol and methanol vapors on the QTF sensor was observed and the dependence of the selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor on the presence of various polymers as well as the type of polymer loading is discussed.