Abstract:
Organic field effect transistors and polymer microcantilevers are two different classes of organic sensors with potential applications in biochemical sensing. Organic field effect transistors based on poly (3-hexylthiophene) and CuII tetraphenylporphyrin composite were investigated as sensors for detection of vapors of nitrobased explosive compounds. Significant changes, suitable for sensor response, were observed in transistor -on∥ current (Ion) and conductance (S) after exposure. A similar device response was, however, not observed for oxidizing agents such as benzoquinone and benzophenone. Polymer microcantilevers offer a sensitive cost effective platform for explosive gas detection. These sensors with optical and electrical transduction mechanisms were designed and fabricated using SU-8 polymer and they are further functionalized with appropriate coating for explosive detection. Optical and electrical responses of respective microcantilevers to TNT vapors are also reported here.