A low-cost colorimetric HKUST-1 sensor for ppm-level humidity detection

Accurate detection of trace moisture is critical in various industries, from microelectronics to petrochemicals. While electrical humidity sensors are prevalent, optical methods offer superior sensitivity for low relative humidity (RH) detection, particularly in demanding applications requiring ppb...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: González Gómez, María, Martínez Medina, Elizabeth, Kovač, Janez, Casals Guillén, Olga, Martínez López, Mònica, Xuriguera Martín, María Elena, Fàbrega Gallego, Cristian
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:2445/224591
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/224591
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Ions metàl·lics
Lligands
Colorimetria
Detectors de gasos
Metal ions
Ligands
Colorimetry
Gas detectors
Descripción
Sumario:Accurate detection of trace moisture is critical in various industries, from microelectronics to petrochemicals. While electrical humidity sensors are prevalent, optical methods offer superior sensitivity for low relative humidity (RH) detection, particularly in demanding applications requiring ppb sensitivity in harsh environments. This work explores the potential of HKUST-1, a metal-organic framework (MOF), as a colorimetric humidity sensor for ppm level detection across a broad range (0–80 % RH). By spraying HKUST-1 onto polyester substrates and coupling it with a low-cost, commercially available LED-photodiode module, we developed a simple, portable sensing platform. The observed color transitions, from dark blue to turquoise, correlate with the MOF's moisture adsorption mechanism, achieving a detection limit of 18 ppm H2O (< 0.05 % RH). Comprehensive characterization, including interferent gas studies, revealed significant color changes upon exposure to NH3, CO, and ethanol, while CO2, CH4, and N2O showed minimal interference. One-week stability tests demonstrated consistent sensor performance and full reversibility upon exposure to dry air at room temperature. This low-cost, sensitive, and easily fabricated HKUST-1-based sensor offers a promising alternative for humidity monitoring in diverse industrial applications.