Vapor detection using resonating microcantilevers

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1995 · Analytical Chemistry (Washington); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00099a006· OSTI ID:6564427

Thundat, T; Chen, G Y; Warmack, R J; Allison, D P; Wachter, E A ^[1]

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1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)

Changes in the resonance frequency of microcantilevers due to adsorption of analyte vapor on exposed surfaces is shown to provide a novel means for detection of the analyte. Frequency changes can be due to mass loading or adsorption-induced changes in cantilever spring constant. Sensitization to water vapor is demonstrated by coating cantilever surfaces with hygroscopic materials, such as phosphoric acid. Cantilevers coated with a thin gelatin film exhibit high sensitivity and a linear response with changes in relative humidity, apparently due to changes in the spring constant of the coated cantilever. In addition to frequency response, static cantilever deflection also changes with vapor adsorption. Both phenomena can be used to detect adsorbed vapors with picogram mass resolution. 19 refs., 2 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6564427
• Journal Information: Analytical Chemistry (Washington); (United States), Vol. 67:3; ISSN 0003-2700
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
SENSITIVITY
VAPORS
MICROANALYSIS
WATER VAPOR
COATINGS
DETECTION
FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT
GELATIN
MICROBALANCES
PHOSPHORIC ACID
BALANCES
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
FLUIDS
GASES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROTEINS
WEIGHT INDICATORS
400201* - Chemical & Physicochemical Properties