| Abstract: | Sensing devices based on a surface acoustic wave ("SAW") device coated
with an absorbent crystalline or amorphous layer for detecting at least
one chemical analyte in a gaseous carrier. Methods for detecting the
presence of a chemical analyte in a gaseous carrier using such devices
are also disclosed. The sensing devices and methods for their use may be
configured for sensing chemical analytes selected from the group
consisting of water vapor, carbon dioxide, methanol, ethanol, carbon
monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, organic amines, organic compounds
containing NO.sub.2 groups, halogenated hydrocarbons, acetone, hexane,
toluene, isopropanol, alcohols, alkanes, alkenes, benzene, functionalized
aromatics, ammonia (NH.sub.3), phosgene (COCl.sub.2), sulfur mustard,
nerve agents, sulfur dioxide, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and methyltertbutyl
ether (MTBE) and combinations thereof. |