Investigation of Polymer Functionalized QTFs as Potential Gas Sensors Using COMSOL Multiphysics

Gas sensors have become indispensable, not just in potentially hazardous industries, but also for the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. In this work, Quartz Tuning Forks (QTFs) modified with nanostructured polymer wires were simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics to investigate their feasibility as gas sensors. Different polymers were used to functionalize the QTFs and a study was done to analyze which polymer is best suited for use as potential Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) sensors. The suitability of the polymer was reflected in the shift in eigenfrequency of the system. The relationship between properties of the polymer and the frequency response of the polymer functionalized QTF system when the QTF was both mass loaded and spring-loaded with different polymers, was studied.