A New Method for Identifying Compounds by Luminescent Response Profiles on a Cataluminescence Based Sensor

Abstract

Rapid identification of different compounds has been proven to be one of the most dynamic fields in analytical chemistry. Herein, a very simple cataluminescence-sensor-based (CTL-based) method suitable for rapid identification of compounds is reported. The oxidation of analytes was catalyzed in a closed reaction cell (CRC) containing enough air to facilitate complete luminescent response profiles with several peaks. The multipeaked response profiles are characteristic of analytes and can be used for identifying compounds. In existing CTL-based sensors, CTL reactions take place in an airstream flow reaction cell (AFRC) in which a continuous airstream carries the analytes flow across the catalyst's surface. The luminescent response profiles obtained are transitory and lack characteristic features, so they cannot be used to identify different compounds. To illustrate the new method, 12 medicines and 4 organic gases were examined in CRC sensors. Results showed that these compounds could be successfully identified through their unique luminescent response profiles. The response was rapid and the system was inexpensive and easy to handle. We believe that it has great potential for real-world use.