Liquid crystal nose, chiral case: towards increased selectivity and low detection limits

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we describe a simple prototype of an olfaction system based on chiral liquid crystals (LCs) and suitable for sensing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The detection of small concentrations of VOCs is based on measuring weak colour fluctuations on the surface of the LC droplet. Detection of larger concentrations is based on measuring colour changes (or shift of the selective reflection band) and isotropisation transition of the whole droplet. Thus, a broad range of VOC concentrations can be detected by this LC nose.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• LC nose
• electronic nose
• olfaction
• gas detection
• liquid crystals
• cholesteric volatile organic compound
• VOC

Acknowledgements

PVS acknowledges the support from internal Fordham Fellowship Program.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Fordham Fellowship Program provided sabbatical leave for PVS.