A 1,2-propylene oxide sensor utilizing cataluminescence on CeO2 nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Chemical Sensors
• Nanomaterials Science
• Environmental Monitoring

Background:

• 1,2-propylene oxide (PO) is a volatile organic compound with industrial relevance.
• Accurate and sensitive detection of PO is crucial for environmental and safety applications.
• Existing detection methods may lack sensitivity, selectivity, or long-term stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple and sensitive gas sensor for 1,2-propylene oxide (PO) detection.
• To investigate the cataluminescence (CTL) properties of CeO2 nanoparticles for PO sensing.
• To evaluate the sensor's performance, including linearity, limit of detection, selectivity, and stability.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a gas sensor based on CeO2 nanoparticles.
• Utilizing cataluminescence (CTL) generated by the oxidation of PO in air on the CeO2 surface.
• Characterization of luminescence properties and optimization of operating conditions.
• Testing sensor response to PO and common interfering substances.

Main Results:

• The CTL intensity showed a linear response to PO concentration in the range of 10-150 ppm (r=0.9974).
• A low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.9 ppm (S/N=3) was achieved.
• The sensor exhibited high selectivity, with minimal response to various common volatile organic compounds.
• The sensor demonstrated excellent stability, maintaining catalytic activity for over 100 hours.

Conclusions:

• A simple, sensitive, and selective gas sensor for 1,2-propylene oxide (PO) detection was successfully developed using CeO2 nanoparticles.
• The proposed cataluminescence-based method offers a promising approach for real-time monitoring of PO in environmental and industrial settings.
• The sensor's stability and selectivity indicate its potential for practical applications.