Development of a Gas Sensor for Eucalyptol Supervision: A Supporting Tool for Extreme Wildfire Management

Abstract

Recent research on volatile organic compounds (VOC) released by the heated vegetation has shown that, under specific conditions (e.g., extreme heat, humidity, wind, and topography), VOC might foster wildfire ignition sources and explain sudden changes in fire behavior, particularly in the most susceptible and flammable forests (eucalypt forests). This work aims to develop an electronic nose (e-nose) based on a sensor’s array to monitor the concentration of eucalyptol, the major VOC compound of the Eucalyptus globulus tree. The detection of this target compound was achieved by measuring the impedance spectra of layer-by-layer developed thin films based on polyethyleneimine, poly(allylamine hydrochloride), and graphene oxide, by injecting the analyte into a custom-made vacuum chamber system. The obtained results were analyzed by the principal component analysis method. The developed e-nose sensor was able to distinguish different concentrations in a range from 411 to 1095 ppm.