Ammonia sensing with fluoroionophores – A promising way to minimize interferences caused by volatile amines

Abstract

A novel sensing concept for the selective detection of ammonia over amines is introduced. For the first time, the reversible fluorescence-based NH3 sensor makes use of an ammonium-sensitive fluoroionophore instead of commonly utilized pH indicators. NH3 diffuses into the sensor where a buffered internal electrolyte generates the corresponding ammonium ion, which is then detected by an ion selective NIR fluoroionophore.