Mechanistic Model of Diffusion and Reaction in Thin Sensor Layers — The DIRMAS-Model

Summary

For a better understanding and prediction of the sensor behaviour the mechanistic model DIRMAS (Diffusion and Reaction Model of Analytes in Sensorlayers) was developed. Quartz microbalance sensors measure the mass increase of a sensitive layer caused by the absorption of analytes. In order to detect analytes which are minor components of a complex gas mixture the sensitive layers should be highly selective to these analytes. However, a high selectivity often results in slow kinetics of the absorption/desorption process. A better understanding of the kinetic reaction can help to design optimised layers and to decrease analysis time.