As a class of important artificial
olfactory system,
the colorimetric
sensor array possesses great potential for commercialization due to
its cost-effectiveness and portability. However, when applied to practical
applications, the humidity interference from ambient environment and
dissatisfactory sensitivity for trace target VOCs are largely unsolved
problems. To overcome the problems, we developed a series of dye/MOFs@COFs
gas-sensing materials with core–shell structure using a hydrophobization
strategy by encapsulation of dye/metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)
into hydrophobic covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Benefiting from
the hydrophobic property of the COF shell, the dye/MOFs@COFs composites
were endowed with excellent humidity-resistance even under 100% relative
humidity (RH). Moreover, due to the uniform distribution of dyes on
the porous MOFs, the dye/MOFs@COFs sensors also exhibited improved
sensitivity at the sub-ppm level, compared with conventional dye sensors.
On basis of the excellent humidity-resistance and improved sensitivity,
an artificial olfactory array based on dye/MOFs@COFs composites was
proven to be a successful practical application in early and accurate
detection of wheat scab (1 day after inoculation) by monitoring its
released VOC markers. The synthetic strategy for core–shell
dye/MOFs@COFs is applicable to a wide range of colorimetric sensor
arrays, endowing them with excellent humidity-resistance and sensitivity
for the feasibility of practical applications.