Patent ID: 8394330
Filing Date: 2013-03-12
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A sensor, comprising: at least two conductive leads; a sensing area comprising alternating regions of a doped or undoped conductive organic polymer material and an inorganic conductive material or carbon black disposed between, and in contact with, the at least two conductive leads, wherein the regions of inorganic conductive material or carbon black are separated by about 10-1000 angstroms, wherein the sensing area provides an electrical path through the regions of the conductive organic polymer material and the inorganic conductive material or carbon black, and wherein the sensing area is in direct contact with a vapor comprising an analyte to be detected, wherein the inorganic conductive material is selected from the group consisting of an inorganic conductor, and a mixed inorganic/organic conductor, wherein the inorganic conductor is a metal, a metal alloy, a metal oxide, a superconductor, or a combination thereof and wherein the inorganic conductor has an electrical conductivity that decreases as the temperature increase; and an apparatus in electrical communication with the conductive leads for detecting a change in the sensing area between the at least two conductive leads when contacted with an analyte.