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Fiber optic sensors using novel substrates for hydrogen sulfide determination by solid surface fluorescence.
A E Eroğlu1, M Volkan, O Y Ataman
1Department of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University, 06531 Ankara, Turkey.
Talanta
|October 31, 2008
Summary
Two novel fiber optic sensors were developed for sensitive hydrogen sulfide (H2S) detection. One sensor, using a polyethylene oxide coating, achieved a 36.0 ppb detection limit, while filter paper-based sensors reached 4.0 ppb, offering improved H2S determination.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Sensors
- Spectrometry
Background:
- Accurate determination of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is crucial in environmental and industrial monitoring.
- Existing H2S detection methods may lack sensitivity or require complex instrumentation.
- Development of rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective H2S sensors is an ongoing research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate novel fiber optic sensors for the precise determination of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at ppb concentration levels.
- To investigate the performance of different sensor configurations and substrate materials for H2S detection.
- To explore alternative solid substrates for room temperature solid-surface fluorescence spectrometry of H2S.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a probe-type fiber optic sensor coated with polyethylene oxide (PEO) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2).
- Development of fiber optic sensors utilizing CdCl2-pretreated filter paper in bifurcated and single-fiber configurations.
- Evaluation of various novel solid substrates including surfactants, cellulosic substances, and water-soluble polymers mixed with CdCl2 for H2S detection.
- Measurement of CdS fluorescence on sensor surfaces using luminescence spectrometry.
Main Results:
- The PEO-coated fiber optic sensor exhibited a detection limit of 36.0 ppb for H2S.
- Fiber optic sensors using CdCl2-pretreated filter paper demonstrated significantly lower detection limits (4.0-4.3 ppb) and linear responses from 0.032-1.0 ppm.
- Precision for filter paper-based sensors was approximately 10-11% R.S.D. at 0.299 ppm.
- Novel solid substrates showed promise as effective alternatives to filter paper for H2S determination.
Conclusions:
- Fiber optic sensors, particularly those utilizing CdCl2-pretreated filter paper, offer high sensitivity and precision for ppb-level H2S detection.
- The developed sensors are suitable for quantitative H2S analysis using room temperature solid-surface fluorescence spectrometry.
- Alternative solid substrates present viable options for enhancing H2S sensing capabilities.
