Layer-by-Layer Deposited Multi-Modal PDAC/rGO Composite-Based Sensors

Abstract

Different environmental parameters, such as temperature and humidity, aggravate food spoilage, and different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released based on the extent of spoilage. In addition, a lack of efficient monitoring of the dosage of pesticides leads to crop failure. This could lead to the loss of food resources and food production with harmful contaminants and a short lifetime. For this reason, precise monitoring of different environmental parameters and contaminations during food processing and storage is a key factor for maintaining its safety and nutritional value. Thus, developing reliable, efficient, cost-effective sensor devices for these purposes is of utmost importance. This paper shows that Poly-(diallyl-dimethyl ammonium chloride)/reduced Graphene oxide (PDAC/rGO) films produced by a simple Layer-by-Layer deposition can be effectively used to monitor temperature, relative humidity, and the presence of volatile organic compounds as indicators for spoilage odors. At the same time, they show potential for electrochemical detection of organophosphate pesticide dimethoate. By monitoring the resistance/impedance changes during temperature and relative humidity variations or upon the exposure of PDAC/rGO films to methanol, good linear responses were obtained in the temperature range of 10–100 °C, 15–95% relative humidity, and 35 ppm–55 ppm of methanol. Moreover, linearity in the electrochemical detection of dimethoate is shown for the concentrations in the order of 102 µmol dm−3. The analytical response to different external stimuli and analytes depends on the number of layers deposited, affecting sensors’ sensitivity, response and recovery time, and long-term stability. The presented results could serve as a starting point for developing advanced multi-modal sensors and sensor arrays with high potential for analytical applications in food safety and quality monitoring.

Exploring Deposition Techniques and Supramolecular Arrangement in Thin Films for Sensor Applications

“…However, the conductive form possesses the sp 2 carbon network, which is hydrophobic and non-water soluble, hampers the LbL assembly of its pure form. Therefore, LbL films of graphene nanoplatelets originate from aqueous exfoliation of GO and follow two alternatives: (1) chemical reduction prior to the LbL assembly, usually functionalized or stabilized in charged polyelectrolytes to keep a stable aqueous suspension [145][146][147]; (2) chemical [148], electrochemical [149][150][151] or thermal reduction [152][153][154] post-assembly of LbL film of GO, which is applied as the negatively charged material multilayered with a positively charged material.…”

Polyurethane-Encapsulated Biomass Films Based on MXene@Loofah Sponge for Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Applications

“…In addition, due to the inherent hydrophilicity of MXenes, direct drop coating or spin coating often results in uneven thickness of the conductive film when loading MXenes onto hydrophobic substrates. A self-assembly approach has been employed to address this issue, combining MXene with polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDAC) to form a composite film that can be uniformly applied onto the substrate [31]. MXene exhibits poor antioxidant performance, making it susceptible to oxidation and consequent loss of conductive properties during practical use.…”