Enhanced cataluminescence sensing of volatile organic compounds using CeO₂/M_xO_y nanocomposites

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represent a major environmental concern due to their detrimental effects on atmospheric quality and public health. In response to this challenge, cataluminescence (CTL)-based sensing has emerged as a powerful analytical technique. This research focuses on engineering advanced CTL sensors through nanomaterial innovation, specifically the development of cerium oxide-based nanocomposites for enhanced VOC monitoring. The exceptional catalytic properties and rare-earth electronic effects of CeO₂ make it an ideal candidate for improving sensor performance. The work addresses a critical need for efficient VOC sensors by leveraging nanomaterial engineering to enhance CTL-based sensing platforms.

The CeO₂/M_xO_y nanocomposites (including CeO₂/ZnO and CeO₂/Sm₂O₃) were successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal method and systematically characterized using PXRD, FT-IR, SEM, and XPS. The CeO₂ incorporation significantly enhanced CTL responses compared to pure M_xO_y, due to cerium's exceptional catalytic activity and enhanced electron transfer. The optimized CeO₂/ZnO system (λ = 440 nm, 300 °C, 270 mL min^-1) demonstrated excellent linear response to diethyl ether with a remarkable detection limit of 6.29 × 10^-5 mol L^-1, while CeO₂/Sm₂O₃ (λ = 490 nm, 320 °C, 360 mL min^-1) showed comparable performance for acetone detection. Both systems exhibited outstanding selectivity against over ten common VOC interferents and maintained stable responses through 11 operational cycles. Spike-recovery tests yielded satisfactory results (93-106 % recovery) with good precision (RSD 4.3-6.2 %), confirming the method's potential for environmental monitoring.

This study develops an innovative solvothermal approach for synthesizing CeO₂/M_xO_y nanocomposites, significantly advancing CTL-based VOC detection through simultaneous improvements in selectivity, sensitivity, and operational stability. The established methodology offers a scalable platform for developing advanced gas sensors for environmental monitoring and industrial safety. By overcoming critical challenges in VOC sensing, this research facilitates the translation of CTL technology from laboratory research to practical air quality management.