Colorimetric sensor for bad odor detection using automated color correction
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Abstract
Colorimetric sensors based on color-changing dyes offer a convenient approach for the quantitative measurement of
gases. An integrated, mobile colorimetric sensor can be particularly helpful for occasional gas measurements, such as
informal air quality checks for bad odors. In these situations, the main requirement is high availability, easy usage, and
high specificity towards one single chemical compound, combined with cost-efficient production. In this contribution,
we show how a well stablished colorimetric method can be adapted for easy operation and readout, making it suitable for
the untrained end user.
As an example, we present the use of pH indicators for the selective and reversible detection of NH3 in air (one relevant
gas contributing to bad odors) using gas-sensitive layers dip coated on glass substrates. Our results show that the method
can be adapted to detect NH3 concentrations lower than 1 ppm, with measure-to-result times in the range of a few
minutes. We demonstrate that the color measurements can be carried out with the optical signals of RGB sensors,
without losing quantitative performance