Amperometric Detection of NH3 by Aromatic SAM-Modified Graphene

Ammonia (NH3) is a toxic substance resulting in various acute and chronic effects on individuals. NH3 detection, monitoring methods, and detection tools are desperately needed. In this work, we improved the NH3 sensing capabilities of grapheme (GP) films deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) by modifying aromatic self-assembled monolayer (SAM) molecules such as 5-[(3-methylphenyl) (phenyl) amino] isophthalic acid (MeIPA) and 5-(diphenyl)amino] isophthalic acid (PhIPA) on amperometric detection method. Morphological investigations of the films were carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface potential was characterized with Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), and vibrational properties were characterized with Raman spectroscopy. MeIPA modification increased NH3 uptake by two times compared to unmodified GP. The results indicated that the SAM modification enhanced NH3 molecule adsorption and improved its periodic reversible and reproducible response using the amperometric detection system, indicating that SAM molecules might be a feasible probe for NH3.

Automated summary

In this study, the NH3 sensing capabilities of graphene films were improved by modifying self-assembled monolayers. The modified graphene films showed a two-fold increase in NH3 uptake compared to the unmodified films. This suggests that self-assembled monolayers can enhance NH3 adsorption and improve the detection response.