Analytical Methods for Determining Automotive Fuel Composition

A miniaturized electronic sensor for instant monitoring of ethanol in gasohol fuel blends

“…The capacitive sensor fundamentally translates the changes in capacitance of the active layer caused by the changes in its dielectric constant, for instance, because of the variations in the polarization properties of atoms and/or molecules within the active layer. 54,55 This could be caused by external perturbations such as the molecular interactions between the polar organic compounds and the active layer. Vello et al 56 has already demonstrated that the capacitance of active layer changes with the polarity and/or dielectric properties of the analyte of interest.…”

Detection of Adulterated Diesel Using Fluorescent Test Strips and Smartphone Readout

“…The ASTM lists diverse techniques such as density and evaporation measurements, distillation, measurement of the ash content, dye markers or fluorescence, IR, and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Recently, various less laboratory bound methods overcoming some of the drawbacks of the classical methods have been developed using, for example, fiber optics, field-effect transistors, or mechanochromic materials . The latter approach for instance is based on changes of the color of conjugated polydiacetylene (PDA) embedded in a polymer matrix, with the matrix shrinking, swelling, or dissolving when it comes into contact with chemicals used for adulteration thus leading to changes in π conjugation of PDA and hence color .…”

SPR sensor for tampering detection in biofuels

“…On one hand, due to fact that the flexiblefuel vehicles became popular in the last few years, the need for sensors capable to directly or indirectly measure the ethanol/gasoline ratio has became necessary and very important. [1]. On the other hand, aiming quick profits untrustworthy gas stations or distribution companies owners commercialize adulterated fuels [2], [3].…”