Identification of Tobacco Types and Cigarette Brands Using an Electronic Nose Based on Conductive Polymer/Porphyrin Composite Sensors

Three tobacco types (Burley, Flue Cured, and Oriental) and eight cigarette brands were unequivocally identified using an electronic nose formed by only three sensors based on a single novel conducting polymer (PF-BTB) doped with different porphyrins (H2TPP, H2TPFP, and H2BTBOP). The synthesis and characterization of the polymer are also discussed. Small changes in the porphyrin structure caused significant changes in the electrical conductance response patterns of the sensors upon exposure to complex chemical matrixes, representing a novel approach for tuning the selectivity of chemiresistive sensors for e-nose application. This e-nose is fast, cheap, reliable, can be easily operated, and could be a valuable tool for border agents fighting cigarette smuggling around the world, helping them prevent losses of millions in tax revenues and sales.

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