Fabrication of high sensitivity 2-PEA sensor based on Aldehyde-functionalized mesoporous carbon

2-Phenylethylamine (2-PEA) is one of the main ingredients for stimulants. Therefore, it is necessary to limit its use and illegal trade by conveniently detecting 2-PEA vapour. Here, a QCM based 2-PEA gas sensor was constructed by using aldehyde functionalized mesoporous carbon (FDU-15-CHO) as sensing materials designed according to Schiff base adsorption role. The 2D hexagonal mesoporous structures of the sensing material have been confirmed by small-angle X-ray diffraction (SXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The covalent grafting of aldehyde group onto the FDU-15 was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). FDU-15-CHO based Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor shows better sensitivity to 2-PEA than its parent FDU-15. Besides, the detection limit of FDU-15-CHO based sensor can reach down to 1 ppm, and its selectivity and repro-ducibility are satisfactory. The high concentrations of active sites in the mesopores of FDU-15 are believed to facilitate 2-PEA adsorption, and thus the presence of the-CHO group leading to sensitive and selective response, which is verified by Gaussian simulation(C) 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

A QCM-based 2-PEA gas sensor was developed using aldehyde functionalized mesoporous carbon as the sensing material, demonstrating improved sensitivity and selectivity towards 2-PEA vapor. The high concentration of active sites and the presence of the -CHO group in FDU-15 were found to play crucial roles in the adsorption and response to 2-PEA.