Single crystal WO3 nanoflakes as quartz crystal microbalance sensing layer for ultrafast detection of trace sarin simulant

Tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoflakes were synthesized, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Thermogravimetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrate the existence of strongly bound surface water molecules on the surface of tungsten oxide nanoflakes. WO3 nanoflake functionalized quartz crystal microbalance sensors were fabricated, and firstly used for detection of trace sarin simulant, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP). The sensors have better reproducibility and stability as well as much shorter response (30 s) and recovery time (73 s) than those functionalized by conventional hydrogen-bond acidic branched copolymers. The strongly bound surface water molecules on the surface of WO3 nanoflakes are believed to play a key role in achieving such excellent DMMP sensing characteristics.