Colorimetric Gas Detection Using Molecular Devices and an RGB Sensor

Spectrophotometry and colorimetry are among the most-used techniques for chemical and biological analyses, but the required equipment is often expensive and restricted to laboratory use. We present here a low-cost and portable color measuring device that can provide similar results to laboratory spe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemosensors 2023-01, Vol.11 (2), p.92
Main Authors: Roales, Javier, Moscoso, Francisco G, Vargas, Alejandro P, Lopes-Costa, Tânia, Pedrosa, José M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amines
Analytical chemistry
Biogenic amines
Color
color sensor
Colorimetry
Digital cameras
gas sensing
Laboratories
Light emitting diodes
low-cost spectrophotometer
Measuring instruments
Metal-organic frameworks
Methods
Phosgene
Polydimethylsiloxane
Portable equipment
Prototypes
Reagents
Sample holders
Sensors
Smartphones
Spectrophotometers
Spectrophotometry
spectroscopy
Titanium dioxide
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Summary:Spectrophotometry and colorimetry are among the most-used techniques for chemical and biological analyses, but the required equipment is often expensive and restricted to laboratory use. We present here a low-cost and portable color measuring device that can provide similar results to laboratory spectrophotometers in color measuring applications. Our prototype was based on an RGB color sensor interfaced to a Raspberry Pi and mounted on custom sample holders with a dual illumination source for reflectance or transmittance measurements. To evaluate its capabilities for the detection of gases, we used two already-tested colorimetric molecular devices: Harrison’s reagent supported on porous TiO2 films for the detection of phosgene, and mixed films of a porphyrinic metal–organic frameworks and polydimethylsiloxane for the detection of biogenic amines. The results showed that the prototype could accurately monitor the color change of the sensing devices when exposed to the analytes and that its versatility allowed for the measurement of samples with different characteristics. This inexpensive and portable prototype, able to run on a 5 V battery and work wirelessly, proved to be a valid alternative for color measuring when expensive spectrophotometers are not available, mobility is needed, or a full-spectral characterization is not necessary.
ISSN:2227-9040
2227-9040
DOI:10.3390/chemosensors11020092