Chemiluminescence detection of hydrazine vapor

An efficient, real-time chemiluminescence detector for hydrazine vapor, N(2)H(4)(g), is described, capable of monitoring sub part-per-billion levels of hydrazine in air. The catalytic oxidation of hydrazine by colloidal platinum forms an intermediate, oxidizing agent (e.g. OH or OOH) which subsequently oxidizes luminol, generating a chemiluminescence signal that is proportional to the hydrazine concentration. Major components of the instrument include a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a short length of glass tubing coiled directly in front of the PMT cathode surface, a vacuum pump for sampling the air, and a peristaltic pump for circulating the liquid reagent. The liquid reagent, a basic solution (pH 13) of luminol and colloidal platinum, is continuously recycled. The detection sequence is initiated by pumping the hydrazine vapor through a short length of teflon tubing that is concurrently transporting the liquid reagent. The liquid is separated from the gas stream in an impinger and quickly pumped to the PMT. We have evaluated the effect of solution pH, luminol and platinum concentrations, and air and liquid flow rates on the analytical characteristics of this system. A linear, dynamic detection range for hydrazine has been obtained from 1 to 2000 ppb in air, with an instrument response that is fully reversible and achieves plateau response in less than 2 min.