Investigation of Polymers as Matrix Materials for Application in Colorimetric Gas Sensors for the Detection of Ammonia

Colorimetric gas sensors are based on a color changing reaction of a sensor dye upon exposure to an analyte. For most sensor applications, the sensor dye must be immobilized in a sensor matrix. The choice of matrix significantly influences the dye’s response due to different physical and chemical effects. Ideal matrix materials should be transparent, stable, compatible with the sensor dye, and processable. Polymers are often applied as matrix materials, as they can be easily applied to sensor structures. In this study, we present a method to examine the impact of polymers of different structures and functionalities on sensor dyes. Therefore, 18 polymers are studied in combination with the pH indicator bromocresol green regarding their sensitivity to ammonia. The measurement setup is based on a camera as a detector of the color changing reaction of the sensor materials and allows for the simultaneous measurement of the sensor materials. Furthermore, the response and regeneration time, the stability, and the influence of the environmental parameters humidity and temperature on the colorimetric reaction are investigated. The study demonstrates that polymers as sensor matrices have an influence on the response of sensor dyes, due to their different properties, such as polarity. This has to be considered when choosing a suitable sensor matrix.