Study on Ammonia Content and Distribution in the Microenvironment Based on Covalent Organic Framework Nanochannels

Anal Chem. 2022 Aug 16;94(32):11224-11229. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01692. Epub 2022 Aug 2.

Abstract

A crack-free micrometer-sized compact structure of 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene-terephthaldehyde-covalent organic frameworks (TAPB-PDA-COFs) was constructed in situ at the tip of a theta micropipette (TMP). The COF-covered theta micropipette (CTP) then created a stable liquid-gas interface inside COF nanochannels, which was utilized to electrochemically analyze the content and distribution of ammonia gas in the microenvironments. The TMP-based electrochemical ammonia sensor (TEAS) shows a high sensing response, with current increasing linearly from 0 to 50,000 ppm ammonia, owing to the absorption of ammonia gas in the solvent meniscus that connects both barrels of the TEAS. The TEAS also exhibits a short response and recovery time of 5 ± 2 s and 6 ± 2 s, respectively. This response of the ammonia sensor is remarkably stable and repeatable, with a relative standard deviation of 6% for 500 ppm ammonia gas dispensing with humidity control. Due to its fast, reproducible, and stable response to ammonia gas, the TEAS was also utilized as a scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) probe for imaging the distribution of ammonia gas in a microspace. This study unlocks new possibilities for using a TMP in designing microscale probes for gas sensing and imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia / chemistry
  • Humidity
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks* / chemistry
  • Solvents

Substances

  • Metal-Organic Frameworks
  • Solvents
  • Ammonia