A fluorometric paper-based sensor array for the discrimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with novel salicylidene derivatives

In this paper, novel salicylidene fluorescent sensors (1, 2, and 3) were successfully synthesized by the one pot condensation reaction and coated onto filter paper to produce fluorometric paper-based sensor array. The compound 1, 2, and 3 paper-based sensor arrays exhibited rapid fluorescent signal in response to exposure to 15 different VOC vapors. A smartphone was used as an alternative device to monitor the appearance of fluorescent signals. The images photographed using the smartphone camera were analyzed for RGB values by a conventional image-processing program. The Delta RGB data set (3 fluorophores x 15 VOC vapors x 4 repeats) from fluorescent images of 15 VOC vapors analysis have been statistically categorized by using principal component analysis (PCA) into 15 clusters with 100% discriminating accuracy. The proposed sensor array showed high potential as a portable electronic nose (e-nose) system for VOC vapors discrimination.