Optochemical vapour detection using spin coated thin films of metal substituted phthalocyanines

Spin coated layers of metallophthalocyanines have been used as chemically interacting materials and a discussion concerning the data obtained with optical absorbance measurements in UV-Vis spectral range in controlled atmosphere is presented. Glass substrates coated with metallophthalocyanines show good sensitivity and selectivity depending on both the central metal ion of the molecules and the peripheral substituents of the macrocycles. A promising sensitivity towards tert-butylamine, diethylamine, dibutylamine, 2-butanone and acetic acid vapours has been monitored. Moreover, a structural characterisation by using scanning electron microscopy has been performed and a different morphology of the sensitive layers obtained from different materials has been evidenced. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.