Abstract
A new quartz crystal microbalance sensor is developed to determine formic acid at low concentrations. Four previously selected polymers with acid–base characteristics were tested as possible coatings. Polyoxyethylene bis [amine] presented the best results. The sensor is rapid, sensitive [0.67 Hz/(mg/m3)], and reversible at low concentrations. The detection limit for formic acid (7.2 mg/m3) is comparable with the short term exposure limit and the threshold limit values. It presents a fast mechanical response to pressure changes, so that it can be quickly used in different environments and situations. The sensor also shows a good stability in a temperature range typical of work atmospheres (16–36 °C). It has a wide linear range (7.2–911.2 mg/m3) and a long useful time. It is also applicable to other low molecular mass carboxylic acids such as acetic acid.
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Received: 26 September 2000 / Revised: 8 February 2001 / Accepted: 12 February 2001
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García-Verdugo-Caso, C., Hidalgo-Hidalgo-de-Cisneros, J., Naranjo-Rodríguez, I. et al. A quartz crystal microbalance sensor for the detection of formic acid vapors. Fresenius J Anal Chem 370, 393–398 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002160100787
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002160100787