Detection and discrimination of alcohol vapours using single-step anodised nanoporous alumina sensors

The electrical response of single-step anodised alumina sensors to alcohol vapours containing one to four carbon atoms has been studied. In this investigation, the real and imaginary impedance components have been measured in response to the equilibrium saturation vapour pressure of methanol, ethanol, butanol and two structural isomers of propanol. The response to each type of alcohol produces characteristic impedance spectra that allow discrimination and possible recognition of each alcohol.