Urmas Joost, Andris Šutka, Meeri Visnapuu, Aile Tamm, Meeri Lembinen, Mikk Antsov, Kathriin Utt, Krisjanis Smits, Ergo Nõmmiste and Vambola Kisand
Colorimetric gas sensing is demonstrated by thin films based on ultrasmall TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on Si substrates. The NPs are bound into the film by p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) 
and the film is
made to absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Since the color of the sensing element depends on the interference of reflected light from the surface of the film and from the film/silicon substrate interface, colorimetric detection is possible by the varying thickness of the NP-based film. Indeed, VOC absorption causes significant swelling of the film. Thus, the optical path length is increased, interference wavelengths are shifted and the refractive index of the film is decreased. This causes a change of color of the sensor element visible by the naked eye. The color response is rapid and changes reversibly within seconds of exposure. The sensing element is extremely simple and cheap, and can be fabricated by common coating processes.
Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2017, 8, 229–236.
DOI:10.3762/bjnano.8.25
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