Automation of the drop-casting deposition method for polymeric sensing films over a quartz crystal microbalance
Abstract This study presents an automated drop-casting deposition method implemented by modifying a micropipette for motor-controlled operation using an interface developed in MATLAB. The system was optimized to deliver precise 2 µL droplets, ensuring uniform film deposition on quartz crystal microb...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Discover Applied Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-06757-0 |
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| Summary: | Abstract This study presents an automated drop-casting deposition method implemented by modifying a micropipette for motor-controlled operation using an interface developed in MATLAB. The system was optimized to deliver precise 2 µL droplets, ensuring uniform film deposition on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrodes. Compared to manual deposition, the automated method showed significant improvements in film surface roughness and thickness uniformity, achieving 2.5 to 3.3 times lower standard deviations in film thickness and up to a 60% reduction in thickness dispersion. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis showed a 3.5 times reduction in surface roughness dispersion for Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films. Statistical analysis using F-tests confirmed the improvement in thickness uniformity for Apiezon L (p = 0.02102), PMMA (p = 0.00283) and ethyl cellulose (p = 0.00120) films. These results highlight the better control provided by the automated system, leading to enhanced gas sensor performance with sensitivity increments up to 30% when exposed to 2130 ppm of heptane and 2060 ppm of ethanol concentrations. |
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| ISSN: | 3004-9261 |