The detection of volatile organic
compounds with electrochemical
gas sensors is still very challenging regarding their sensitivity,
selectivity, and operation at room temperature. There is a need for
robust, sensitive, inexpensive, and yet easy-to-operate sensors for
phenol and other phenolic compounds that function reliably under ambient
conditions. Herein, we present a phenol gas sensor based on a combination
of a semisolid, alkaline sodium polyacrylate, and commercial screen-printed
electrodes. Sodium polyacrylate was employed as a multifunctional
sensing material serving as a (i) gel-like electrolyte, (ii) accumulation
milieu, and (iii) derivatization medium. Under ambient conditions,
the sensor showed excellent sensitivity in the low ppbv (μg
m
–3
) range, a good linear operation in the examined
concentration range of 0.1–1.0 ppmv for up to 105 min accumulation,
and low sensitivity toward examined interferences. The sensor also
indicated a possibility to differentiate between several phenolic
compounds based on their oxidation potential. Given its favorable
electroanalytical performance, a strong application potential is envisioned
in topical fields such as environmental monitoring, cultural heritage
preservation, and occupational health and safety.