Changes in the resonance frequency (Δf) are primarily related to mass uptake or release at the sensor surface.
When operated as a mass sensor, the QCM-D is often used to study molecular adsorption/desorption and binding kinetics to various types of surfaces.
In contrast to optical techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, ellipsometry, or dual polarisation interferometry, the QCM determines the mass of the adsorbed film including trapped solvent.
[6] The difference in dry and wet mass measured by QCM-D and MP-SPR is more significant in highly hydrated layers as can be seen in.
The QCM-D is commonly used in the fields of biomaterials, cell adhesion, drug discovery, materials science, and biophysics.