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A portable gas sensor based on cataluminescence
Author(s) -
Kang C,
Tang F,
Liu Y,
Wu Y,
Wang X
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
luminescence
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.428
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1522-7243
pISSN - 1522-7235
DOI - 10.1002/bio.2383
Subject(s) - photomultiplier , miniaturization , tube (container) , materials science , barium , analytical chemistry (journal) , optoelectronics , chemistry , nanotechnology , optics , chromatography , detector , physics , composite material , metallurgy
ABSTRACT We describe a portable gas sensor based on cataluminescence. Miniaturization of the gas sensor was achieved by using a miniature photomultiplier tube, a miniature gas pump and a simple light seal. The signal to noise ratio (SNR) was considered as the evaluation criteria for the design and testing of the sensor. The main source of noise was from thermal background. Optimal working temperature and flow rate were determined experimentally from the viewpoint of improvement in SNR. A series of parameters related to analytical performance was estimated. The limitation of detection of the sensor was 7 ppm (SNR = 3) for ethanol and 10 ppm (SNR = 3) for hydrogen sulphide. Zirconia and barium carbonate were respectively selected as nano‐sized catalysts for ethanol and hydrogen sulphide. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.