Mass sensitivity of Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer film coated surface acoustic wave resonators to volatile organic solvents

Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) monolayer films deposited from a Dipalmytoyl Phosphatidyl Ethanolamine head labelled with Nitrbenzoxadiazole (DPPE-NBD), have been studied for their ability to be used as sensing layer for chemical gas sensors. DPPE-NBD molecules are known for their similarity to bio membrane molecules. Therefore, it is expected that they can serve as a matrix for immobilization of proteins, enzymes, aptamers, while preserving their function for selective reaction with organic analytes. In this study, LB monolayers of DPPE-NBD were deposited on Rayleigh Surface Acoustic Wave (RSAW) resonant devices working at 411 MHz and simultaneously on ultra-flat Si wafer substrates for Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) inspection. Depositions were carried out both at a low surface pressure where the liquid-expanded phase dominates, and at a high surface pressure, where the liquid-condensed (solid) phase dominates. AFM topography reveals the liquid and solid phase coexistence as well as the formation of 3D pyramids of 3 to 30 nm height and 50 to 1000 nm in diameter. In a vapour sensing experiment, the RSAW devices were exposed subsequently to vapours of 6 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and water. The most significant resonant frequency shift of 225 kHz which corresponds to 11.42 ng mass change was observed with chloroform vapours when the substrate with the solid phase LB monolayer was used as a sensing layer. Adsorption and desorption of the vapours was very fast (a few seconds) and completely reversible. The higher-pressure deposited LB film demonstrates higher sensitivity to all gases. Mechanisms of this behaviour are discussed.