Pore-bridging poly(dimethylsiloxane) membranes as selective interfaces for vapor-phase chemical sensing.

A new kind of polymer-based sensor is described in which the experimental parameters controlling selectivity and sensitivity are decoupled. The sensor is based on a surface acoustic wave (SAW) gravimetric transducer modified with a high-surface-area, nanoporous alumina coating. A very thin ( approximately 40 nm) poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) coating resides atop the porous alumina structure.

Gas adsorption gates based on ultrathin composite polymer films.

High surface area alumina coatings were prepared on surface acoustic wave (SAW) mass balances. These coatings were fabricated by anodic etching of evaporated aluminum films. The coatings consisted of roughly collinear pores penetrating through the monolithic alumina film.