PVDF coated quartz crystal microbalance sensor for DMMP vapor detection

A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) modified with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was fabricated and used for detection of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) vapor, a simulant of nerve agents using a drop-coating method. Measurements were based on the frequency shifts due to the adsorption of DMMP vapor on the surface of the modified electrodes. It was found that frequency shifts were linear to the concentrations of analyte in the range of 5–60 ppm with a correlation coefficient of above 0.997. The influences of temperature and humidity on the sensors were also examined. Results showed that the sensitivity to DMMP vapor was almost identical in various humidity circumstances, and the sensitivity was higher in a lower temperature range.