The detection of phenols in water using a surface plasmon resonance systemwith specific receptors

A number of receptor molecules designed to bind phenols selectively have be en synthesised and evaluated for use in a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) o ptical sensing system.. To optimise sensitivity, films of the receptors ent rapped in sol-gel and polymer matrices have been prepared. The most promisi ng receptor systems are shown to give high sensitivity to phenols, together with SPR responses whose characteristics depend on the particular phenol p resent. These systems offer the promise of identification and quantificatio n of phenol pollutants in water. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.