Ni2(dobdc) MOF (metal-organic framework) nanocrystals for ultra-sensitive detection of ppb-level co with resonant-cantilever

MOF (metal-organic framework) material of Ni2(dobdc) (where dobdc = 1,4-dioxido-2,5-benzenedicarboxylate) nanocrystals is, for the first time, explored as resonant-gravimetric sensing material for CO detection. Due to the ultra-high surface-area and the active metal center-sites, the MOF of Ni2(dobdc) exhibits adsorbing induced high-performance sensing to CO gas. By loading the MOF material onto resonant microcantilever, the gravimetric sensor has experimentally exhibited response to 80ppb CO, which indicates an extremely-high sensitivity.

Introduction

Although considered as moderately toxic in comparison to other highly poisonous gases, CO detection has always been of vital importance, as it lacks color, odor, or taste and is present in numerous natural and artificial environments [1]–[3]. Thus, CO sensors are highly demanded, especially portable ones which are small, low-powered, and inexpensive. Many technologies and devices (chemiresistive, optical, electrochemical, etc.) have been developed to detect or monitor the leakage of CO [4]–[6]. These systems suffer from drawbacks such as low sensitivity, poor selectivity, or short service time. Thus, developing high performance CO sensors is of great importance.