PROCESSES INVOLVED AT THE CHEMICAL INTERFACE OF A SAW CHEMOSENSOR

An overview is given of interactions occurring at the gas-selective surface ('chemical interface') of a SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) chemosensor. Coordination chemistry as an intermediate between adsorption and chemisorption seems to offer many attractive possibilities in the search for and design of selective and reversible chemical interfaces. Both the surface structure and the bonding of the chemical interface to the sensor are likely to be important with respect to the sensor stability, sensitivity and response time. It is expected that covalently-bonded chemical interfaces should be applied in preference to physically attached or entrapped coatings.