First gravimetric detection of ethene utilizing metallo-supramolecular macrocycles as sensor-active substances

For the first time, the real-time gravimetric detection of the light-weight analyte ethene with quartz microbalance sensors becomes possible in the range of 3–600 ppm, when metallo-supramolecular macrocycles are used as sensor-active layers. Thermodynamic and kinetic measurements as well as theoretical simulations indicate a weak and reversible binding of ethene at the metal centers.