Volatile organic compound sensors based on metal-organic framework gradients

Air pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges worldwide. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that decrease the quality of indoor air are emitted by carpets, paints, furniture, cleaning products, etc. Since these compounds can cause severe health issues, it is desirable to measure their concentration with a high spatial and temporal resolution, via low-cost but reliable miniature sensors. However, selectively measuring harmful VOCs is challenging because of their low concentration and the multitude of interfering compounds in indoor air. Current miniature air quality sensors produce data that is often questionable, due to the measurement principle or susceptibility to environmental interference. This PhD project addresses this challenge by bridging the worlds of nanoscale chemistry and sensor technology. For the first time, sensor microfabrication will be combined with subnanometer precise self-assembly of porous crystals to mimic nature’s approach to olfaction. The resulting ‘electronic noses’ will address the challenge of selective VOC detection in complex gaseous mixtures.