Polyelectrolyte based sensor for ethanol in hydrocarbons

An interpenetrating polymer network based on poly(glycidyl methacrylate), diethylenetriamine, poly(4-vinylpyridine) and 1,4-dibromobutane has been investigated as sensitive material to build a sensor for the detection of ethanol in hydrocarbons. Preliminary tests have been carried out by impedance spectroscopy in ethanol/cyclohexane mixtures. The sensor showed a measurement range between 5% and 100%, good reversibility and fast response time.