Abstract 9408416 Bein This research program focuses on the design of novel nanoporous thin films with molecular recognition capabilities for stable chemical sensors. Novel oriented zeolite films will be combined with optical sensors based on fluorescence dyes stabilized in the zeolite matrix. Collisional fluorescence quenching with oxygen and halogenated hydrocarbons will demonstrate the concept of optical sensors with molecular sieving capabilities. In addition, a number of novel size-selective mass sensors will be developed: (i) sensors with preferred sorption of non-polar organic vs. polar compounds, and (ii) selective sensors for aliphatic and aromatic amines. The exploration of synthetic routes for novel thin films on sensors will also address fascinating aspects of multifunctional molecular films, and nucleation and growth of nanoporous structures. This work is important because there is an urgent need for new families of selective sensors with long-term stability. %%% Rapidly growing demands for comprehensive monitoring in the environmental, medical and industrial field have stimulated efforts to develop high performance chemical sensors. While many sensors show excellent sensitivity, their molecular selectivity and long-term stability remain important challenges. This research program focuses on the design of novel nanoporous thin films with molecular recognition capabilities for stable chemical sensors. Novel oriented zeolite films will be combined with optical sensors based on fluorescence dyes stabilized in the zeolite matrix. In addition, a number of novel size-selective mass sensors will be developed.
