Subsurface H2S Detection by a Surface Acoustic Wave Passive Wireless Sensor Interrogated with a Ground Penetrating Radar

ACS Sens. 2020 Apr 24;5(4):1075-1081. doi: 10.1021/acssensors.0c00013. Epub 2020 Apr 13.

Abstract

Long-term monitoring of organic pollutants in the soil is a major environmental challenge. We propose to meet this issue by the development of a polymer dedicated to selectively react with H2S, coating surface acoustic wave transducers designed as passive cooperative targets with the compound, and probing their response using Ground Penetrating RADAR, thus providing the capability to monitor the presence of H2S in the subsurface environment. The selectivity is brought by including lead(II) cation in a reticulated polymer matrix which can be deposited as a thin layer on a surface acoustic wave sensor. We demonstrate a signal enhancement mechanism in which water absorption magnifies the signal detection, making the sensor most sensitive to H2S in an underground environment saturated with moisture.

Keywords: functional polymer; ground penetrating RADAR; hydrogen sulfide; surface acoustic waves; wireless measurement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / chemistry*
  • Sound

Substances

  • Hydrogen Sulfide