The surface of the sensor used in the analysis of odorous substances

Human industrial activity usually leads to smaller or larger interference with the ecosystem, contributing to changes affecting the quality of life. An example may be the emission of gaseous substances, not necessarily toxic, but due to their intense smell, they can cause discomfort to people exposed to their inhalation. The problem is so important that it has received an opinion presenting the scale of the problem and solutions used in the European Union countries [1]. One of the issues raised there is the qualitative classification and quantitative measurement of the odor intensity. As one of the solutions, electronic noses [2] have been used for many years, i.e. sensor matrices that allow for the analysis of mixtures of substances and the analysis of the combined response of a large number of sensors. Of course, the analytical usefulness of such a signal depends on the type of sensors used, hence the work on developing new types of sensors with a specific selectivity and detection level is ongoing. This collection contains topographic scans showing the distribution of the active ingredient planned for use in a new type of sensor on the surface of a gold substrate. The file contains 22 images captured in the semi-contact mode with the NSG30 probe.
Reference:
[1] https://www.senat.gov.pl/gfx/senat/pl/senatekspertyzy/2781/plik/oe_222_do_internetu.pdf
[2] F. Röck, N. Barsan, U. Weimar, Electronic Nose:  Current Status and Future Trends, Chem. Rev., 108(2) (2008) 705–725, DOI: 10.1021/cr068121q