Surface morphology and the response of piezoelectric gas sensors

The surface morphology of gold electrodes on piezoelectric quartz crystals was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and scanning tunnelling microscopy. Sensors with various coating materials as polymers, liquid crystal and nitrocompounds have been employed to demonstrate the importance of surface properties in determining the response of the device. The sensors were evaluated for detection of organophosphorus and nitroaromatic vapours in air.