Gas sensitivity of etioporphyrin metal complexes in thin films

It is shown that porphyrin metal complexes have the potential for the creation of various gas sensors; the gas sensing properties of the materials on their basis change upon the replacement of the central metal atom and substituents in the porphyrin core. Films of etioporphyrin-II were prepared by vacuum deposition onto a front shaft system of electrodes on a pyroceramic support. Calibration dependences of the analytical signal (conductivity) on the concentration of ammonia were obtained. It was found that UV irradiation on the sensor layer enhances the sensitivity of ammonia determination. Relative sensitivities of thin films based on Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II) etioporphyrin complexes in the temperature range from 303 K to 423 K and ammonia concentrations from 1.5 to 75 mg/m³ were determined. The relative sensitivity attains a maximum (0.8) at an ammonia concentration of 7.5 mg/m³ for the Co(II) etioporphyrin at 333 K in a dark mode, or at 303 K and under UV irradiation (λ = 406 nm, P = 1 mW). An experimental setup was assembled that allowed measurements at the controlled temperature and humidity of the gas and its mixtures with inert gases or air. The conditions of ammonia detection were optimized.