NEW MATERIALS AND TRANSDUCERS FOR CHEMICAL SENSORS

The general topic of new materials and transducers for chemical sensors is discussed in a survey along three different lines: (1) The modular components of future sensor systems are introduced. Their development involves in particular new or fine-tuned (well-known) sensor-active materials and transducers. (2) A molecular understanding of the sensing mechanisms is shown to be a prerequisite for the development of a new generation of sensors. This understanding can be deduced from comparative microscopic, spectroscopic, and sensor test studies on 'prototype materials'. This approach requires use to be made of experimental set-ups that combine the usual techniques of interface analysis with sensor preparation facilities and sensor test chambers. (3) A few selected case studies on 'prototype materials' are chosen to illustrate recent trends in the development of new materials and transducers.