A sensor array based on mass and capacitance transducers for the detection of adulterated gasolines

In many countries, fuel adulteration poses a serious problem in terms of environmental damage, fiscal frauds, and engines lifetime reduction. A practical example is Brazil where the major fraud is the addition of alcohol at a percentage higher than that established in accordance with the law. In this work, a methodology for fuel quality control based on mass and capacitance transduction of organic sensing layers is illustrated and commented. Preliminary results indicate the possibility to detect the presence of different contaminants and, in particular, to estimate the ethanol content in gasoline with an accuracy enough identify adulterated fuel in the Brazilian context.