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Molecular Sensing Technologies

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Optics and Lasers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 May 2022) | Viewed by 10804

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Mineral Resources, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, 3169 Canberra, Australia
Interests: chemical sensing; vibrational spectroscopy; materials chemistry; carbon capture and environmental analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Humanity’s ability to thrive on Earth is primarily due to many important substances and materials that are present in the environment. Our planet comprises countless different molecules, many of them are either essential for survival or play a significant role in our advancement, while numerous others are relatively toxic and hazardous to life. The health and state of the biosphere requires endless monitoring to ensure that the existence of life flourishes into the future. Analytical technologies that provide direct quantitative information in real-time offer many advantages compared to traditional laboratory methods. The demand for more rapid, reliable, accurate and cost-effective analysis is driving the need for sensors and sensing technologies.

This Special Issue “Molecular Sensing Technologies” aims to reflect recent developments in the field of sensors and sensing devices for the analysis of inorganic, organic, biological and gas molecules. It will present new advances and applications in molecular sensing of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere. Sensor applications that deal with environmental, mining, agricultural, food and biomedical samples are encouraged. The type of molecular sensors the Special Issue covers is not limited and includes sensors based on optical, electrical/electrochemical, piezoelectric, mass and thermal transduction. This issue invites researchers to contribute original research as well as review articles.  

I hope this Special Issue works as a roadmap for all researchers and users of analytical sensing technologies.

Dr. Bobby Pejcic
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 1605 KiB  
Article
RobustATR: Substrate-Integrated Hollow Waveguide Coupled Infrared Attenuated Total Reflectance Sensors
by Andrea Teuber and Boris Mizaikoff
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 10019; https://doi.org/10.3390/app121910019 - 6 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1454
Abstract
Small and compact mid-infrared devices are of increasing importance, as there are several applications demanding on-site and real-time measurements in harsh real-world scenarios. The RobustATR, an innovative infrared attenuated total reflectance (IR-ATR) accessory, has been developed and tested with exemplary analytes integrating a [...] Read more.
Small and compact mid-infrared devices are of increasing importance, as there are several applications demanding on-site and real-time measurements in harsh real-world scenarios. The RobustATR, an innovative infrared attenuated total reflectance (IR-ATR) accessory, has been developed and tested with exemplary analytes integrating a single-wavelength Fabry–Pérot quantum cascade laser as light source for testing the feasibility of a potentially miniaturized overall sensor design. Successful direct coupling of the laser radiation via substrate-integrated hollow waveguide (iHWG) coupling elements to the sensor interface could be shown, whereby exemplary analytes of environmental and medical relevance were tested, revealing the future potential for real-world applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Sensing Technologies)
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12 pages, 2692 KiB  
Article
Sensing Hydrogen Seeps in the Subsurface for Natural Hydrogen Exploration
by Mederic Mainson, Charles Heath, Bobby Pejcic and Emanuelle Frery
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6383; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12136383 - 23 Jun 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4818
Abstract
The recent detection of natural hydrogen seeps in sedimentary basin settings has triggered significant interest in the exploration of this promising resource. If large economical resources exist and can be extracted from the sub-surface, this would provide an opportunity for natural hydrogen to [...] Read more.
The recent detection of natural hydrogen seeps in sedimentary basin settings has triggered significant interest in the exploration of this promising resource. If large economical resources exist and can be extracted from the sub-surface, this would provide an opportunity for natural hydrogen to contribute to the non-carbon-based energy mix. The detection and exploration of hydrogen gas in the sub-surface is a significant challenge that requires costly drilling, sophisticated instrumentation, and reliable analytical/sampling methods. Here, we propose the application of a commercial-based sensor that can be used to detect and monitor low levels of hydrogen gas emissions from geological environments. The sensitivity, selectivity (K > 1000), and stability (<1 ppm/day) of the sensor was evaluated under various conditions to determine its suitability for geological field monitoring. Calibration tests showed that the hydrogen readings from the sensor were within ±20% of the expected values. We propose that chemical sensing is a simple and feasible method for understanding natural hydrogen seeps that emanate from geological systems and formations. However, we recommend using this sensor as part of a complete geological survey that incorporates an understanding of the geology along with complementary techniques that provide information on the rock properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Sensing Technologies)
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Review

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20 pages, 3763 KiB  
Review
Infrared Spectroscopy–Quo Vadis?
by Michael Hlavatsch, Julian Haas, Robert Stach, Vjekoslav Kokoric, Andrea Teuber, Mehmet Dinc and Boris Mizaikoff
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(15), 7598; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12157598 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3836
Abstract
Given the exquisite capability of direct, non-destructive label-free sensing of molecular transitions, IR spectroscopy has become a ubiquitous and versatile analytical tool. IR application scenarios range from industrial manufacturing processes, surveillance tasks and environmental monitoring to elaborate evaluation of (bio)medical samples. Given recent [...] Read more.
Given the exquisite capability of direct, non-destructive label-free sensing of molecular transitions, IR spectroscopy has become a ubiquitous and versatile analytical tool. IR application scenarios range from industrial manufacturing processes, surveillance tasks and environmental monitoring to elaborate evaluation of (bio)medical samples. Given recent developments in associated fields, IR spectroscopic devices increasingly evolve into reliable and robust tools for quality control purposes, for rapid analysis within at-line, in-line or on-line processes, and even for bed-side monitoring of patient health indicators. With the opportunity to guide light at or within dedicated optical structures, remote sensing as well as high-throughput sensing scenarios are being addressed by appropriate IR methodologies. In the present focused article, selected perspectives on future directions for IR spectroscopic tools and their applications are discussed. These visions are accompanied by a short introduction to the historic development, current trends, and emerging technological opportunities guiding the future path IR spectroscopy may take. Highlighted state-of-the art implementations along with novel concepts enhancing the performance of IR sensors are presented together with cutting-edge developments in related fields that drive IR spectroscopy forward in its role as a versatile analytical technology with a bright past and an even brighter future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Sensing Technologies)
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