Abstract
A simple deep-ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrophotometer based on ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV LED) was developed for the detection of air-borne toluene with a good sensitivity. A fiber-coupled deep UV-LED was employed as a light source, and a spectrometer was used as a detector with a gas cell in between. 3D printed opto-fluidics connectors were designed to integrate the gas flow with UV light. Two types of hollow core waveguides (HCW) were tested as gas cells: a glass capillary tube with aluminum-coated inner walls and an aluminum capillary tube. The setup was tested for different toluene concentrations (10–100 ppm), and a linear relationship was observed with sensitivities of 0.20 mA·U/ppm and 0.32 mA·U/ppm for the glass and aluminum HCWs, respectively. The corresponding limits of detection were found to be 8.1 ppm and 12.4 ppm, respectively.
Highlights
Monitoring of air quality in indoor spaces is critical for healthy living
In this study we have demonstrated a simple and sensitive deep UV absorption spectrophotometry for detection of air-borne toluene
A fiber-coupled deep ultraviolet-light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) was employed as a light source, and a spectrometer was used as detector with a gas cell in between. 3D printed opto-fluidics connectors were designed to integrate the gas flow with a UV source and detector
Summary
Monitoring of air quality in indoor spaces is critical for healthy living. Nowadays most of our daily activities are based in indoor spaces where exposure to various indoor air pollutants is inevitable [1]. Indoor air can contain various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among other pollutants such as air-borne particles, microorganisms, household odours, and gases. Its sources of generation in indoor spaces are common household items, i.e., cleaning products, paint thinners, adhesives, synthetic fragrances, nail polish, and cigarette smoke. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have established the threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm for toluene for 8 h exposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends permissible exposure limits (PEL) for toluene of 200 ppm as the 8 h time-weighted average (TWA) concentration [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
