Cataluminescence Intensity Research Articles

A Strategy for Studying Environmental Engineering: Simple Hydrothermal Synthesis of Flower-Shaped Stannous Sulfide Nanomaterials for Efficient Cataluminescence Sensing of Diethyl Ether.

In this work, flower-like stannous sulfide (SnS) nanomaterials are synthesized using a hydrothermal method and used as sensitive materials for cataluminescence (CTL)-based detection of diethyl ether. Gas sensors based on SnS nanomaterials are prepared, and the SnS nanomaterials exhibit excellent gas-sensitive behavior towards ether. High sensitivity to ether is achieved at a relatively low operating temperature (153 °C) compared to other common sensors. The response time is 3 s and the recovery time is 8 s. The CTL intensity shows a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9931) with a detection limit of 0.15 ppm and the concentration of ether in the range of 1.5-60 ppm. The proposed CTL sensor shows good selectivity towards ether. In addition, a highly stable signal is obtained with a relative standard deviation of 1.5%. This study indicates that the SnS-based sensor has excellent gas-sensitive performance and shows potential for applications in the detection of ether.

Screening the Specific Surface Area for Metal-Organic Frameworks by Cataluminescence

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are famous for their large surface area, which is responsible for the dispersed active sites and decent behaviors in gas adsorption, storage, and catalytic reactions. However, it remains a great challenge to acquire a cost-effective and accurate evaluation on the surface area for the MOFs. In this work, we have proposed cataluminescence (CTL) to evaluate the specific surface area for the MOFs, based on the adsorption–desorption and the catalytic reaction of ethanol. Aluminum-based MOFs with large-pore (lp), narrow-pore (np), and medium-pore (mp-130, mp-140, and mp-150 synthesized under 130, 140, and 150 °C) have been prepared. Distinguished CTL signals were acquired from ethanol in the presence of these MOFs: lp > mp-150 > mp-130 > mp-140 > np. Note that the CTL intensities were positively correlated with the specific surface areas of these MOFs acquired by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. The distinct specific surface area of MOFs determined the capacity to accommodate and activate ethanol, leading to the varied CTL intensity signals. Therefore, the proposed CTL could be utilized for the rapid and accurate evaluation of the specific surface area for MOFs. It is believed that this CTL strategy showed great possibilities in the structural evaluation for various porous materials.

Rapid Gas-Sensing Detection of Carbon Disulfide by a CdS/SnS Nanocomposite-Based Cataluminescence Sensor

A CdS/SnS nanocomposite was prepared using a simple hydrothermal method and used as a sensitive material for the detection of carbon disulfide (CS2) based on cataluminescence (CTL). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the CdS/SnS nanocomposite sensor has a high sensitivity to CS2 at a relatively low operating temperature (162 °C); the response time is about 3 s, and the recovery time is about 16 s. The modification of CdS effectively enhances the sensitivity of SnS sensors. The CTL intensity shows a good linear relationship at gas concentrations ranging from 6.75 to 168.75 ppm (R2 = 09974), and the limit of detection (LOD) of CS2 reached 0.96 ppm. In addition, the CdS/SnS sensor has excellent selectivity and good stability towards CS2. The mechanism of the sensor is discussed in detail. This research shows that CdS/SnS has great potential for the detection of CS2.

Efficient cataluminescence sensor towards (NH4)2S based on graphitic carbon nitride by nitrogen vacancy modulation

Vacancy regulation is considered to be an effective means to improve the properties of materials, which has been applied in the fields of catalysis, electricity and optics. Herein, different contents of nitrogen vacancy in graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) could be modulated via changing temperature of secondary calcination. Results showed the introduction of nitrogen vacancy significantly promoted the cataluminescence (CTL) intensity towards ammonium sulfide ((NH4)2S) and the CTL performance increased regularly with the increaseing vacancy content. The positive effect of nitrogen vacancy on CTL intensity of (NH4)2S was unveiled in-depth by the experiment and density functional theory (DFT). Moreover, a cutting-edge CN-600-based sensor was established for the highly sensitive detection of (NH4)2S. The sensor possessed excellent selectivity and stability, and a low detection limit (0.16 μg mL−1). Noteworthily, this study presents novel mentality for designing materials with improved catalytic activity.

Lanthanum oxycarbonate with nanosheet-like network structure for cataluminescence sensing of tetrahydrofuran

In the present work, Lanthanum oxycarbonate (La2O2CO3) nanosheets with network structure were synthesized by a simple precipitation method and their performances as cataluminescence (CTL) sensor for tetrahydrofuran (THF) were investigated. The structure, morphology and chemical states of as-prepared La2O2CO3 were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The sensing conditions include working temperature, detection wavelength and the flow rate of carrier gas were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the sensor shows high sensitive and selective response to THF. The linear range of CTL intensity versus tetrahydrofuran concentration is 59–870 mg m−3 (R2 = 0.9933) with a limit of detection of 18 mg m−3 (the signal to noise is 3). In order to demonstrate the potential application, the sensor was applied to measure real air samples contain THF, and the obtained results were consistent with those measured by gas chromatography method. The possible sensing mechanism was also discussed based on the reaction product from the catalytic oxidation of THF on La2O2CO3 surface. Compared with the previous CTL sensor for THF, the present senor shows better specificity, and has a lower working temperature. The present work provides a promising method for rapid detection of THF in concerning locations, such as in residential buildings and in the manufacturing plants.

Fe-doped MOF-derived N-rich porous carbon nanoframe for H2 S cataluminescence sensing.

Metal-doped porous carbon matrix composites are considered as outstanding H2 S cataluminescence sensing materials for their good sulfur tolerance and high cataluminescence activity. In this work, an Fe-doped MOF-derived N-rich porous carbon nanoframe was successfully fabricated using the pyrolysis of Fe-doped ZIF-8 in an Ar atmosphere at a temperature of 900°C, and used for H2 S cataluminescence sensing. Along with zinc volatilization, the obtained porous carbon nanoframe not only had high specific surface area and abundant voids, but also had well dispersed Fe species doped in the skeleton. Compared with Fe2 O3 /ZnO composites derived from the same precursor but different pyrolysis terms, this as-prepared Fe-doped N-rich porous carbon presented a three times increase in the cataluminescence intensity towards H2 S, attributed to the porous carbon skeleton that is indispensable for dispersing catalytic active sites and providing more absorptive surface and voids. Comparably, this proposed sensor demonstrated high sensitivity and good selectivity, with the detection range of 1.57-19.58 μg·ml-1 and detection limit of 0.13 μg·ml-1 towards H2 S. This work may provide a new pathway for preparing catalysts for cataluminescence sensing with better metal distribution, higher specific surface area, and richer pores than ever before.

A novel Ce(IV)-MOF-based cataluminescence sensor for detection of hydrogen sulfide

Cataluminescence (CTL) was regarded as a simple and efficient sensing method and had made great contributions in gas sensing. Herein, a novel CTL sensor based on Ce(IV)-MOF was designed for detection of H2S. The sensor shows outstanding selectivity, high sensitivity and excellent stability in CTL towards H2S due to the large surface area and excellent stability of Ce(IV)-MOF. A good linear curve (R2 =0.997) between CTL intensity and H2S in the range of 1.04–21.0 μg/mL was obtained with the detection limit of 0.035 μg/mL. Besides, the investigation of the CTL mechanism provides more theoretical support for catalytic reaction. This work broadened the application field of MOF and provided a new clue for the development of catalytic materials in CTL.

Rapid Discrimination of Adsorbed Oxygen and Lattice Oxygen in Catalysts by the Cataluminescence Method.

Adsorbed oxygen and lattice oxygen are crucial parameters for catalyst characterization and catalytic oxidation mechanism. Therefore, rapid discrimination of adsorbed oxygen and lattice oxygen is highly desired. Herein, a direct correlation between cataluminescence (CTL) kinetic curve and oxygen species was discovered. The adsorbed oxygen-catalyzed CTL only lasted for a few minutes, whereas the lattice oxygen-catalyzed CTL could exhibit hours of continuous luminescence. The long-term CTL was attributed to the slow migration of lattice oxygen in a slow and continuous catalytic oxidation reaction. In addition to the discrimination between the adsorbed oxygen and lattice oxygen by the CTL kinetic processes, the corresponding CTL intensity was positively proportional to their amounts. Accordingly, the developed catalytic oxidation-related CTL can be used as an indicator for rapid discrimination and determination of adsorbed oxygen and lattice oxygen in catalysts. Oxygen species detected by the proposed CTL method not only matched well with those obtained by conventional X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and O2-temperature programmed methods but also offered some distinguished advantages, such as convenient operation, fast response, and low cost. It can be expected that the established oxygen-responsive CTL probe has great potential in distinguishing adsorbed oxygen and lattice oxygen in various catalysts.

A novel H2S cataluminescence sensor based on ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles

Regarded as a highly toxic pollutants, H2S can severely threaten human health. Therefore, it is critical to develop an efficient sensing material to detect H2S gas. In this study, three nanomaterials—ZnMn2O4, ZnMn2O4-0.3, and ZnMn2O4-0.6—were successfully prepared via a simple hydrothermal method that is modified by the use of carbon spheres, and then applied to the field of cataluminescence (CTL). The nanostructure, surface composition, and morphology of the prepared catalysts were characterized via X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Among the nanomaterials, ZnMn2O4-0.3 exhibited the highest CTL properties, including excellent H2S selectivity, because of its high content of surface-adsorbed O2. Under optimized detection conditions, a good linear relationship (r = 0.997) of CTL intensity versus H2S concentration was obtained in the linear range of 0.810–26.3 μg mL−1, and the detection limit (S/N = 3, DL) was 0.405 μg mL−1. In addition, the CTL sensing mechanism for H2S on the ZnMn2O4-0.3 material was explored using the density functional theory. In comparison with previously reported various sensors based on CTL for H2S determination, ZnMn2O4-0.3 exhibited properties similar to or higher than other materials because of its low working temperature, fast response, and low DL, thereby confirming that ZnMn2O4 can be used as a material for CTL detection of H2S.

ZnO Nanoparticle-Decorated CeO2 Nanospheres for Cataluminescence Sensing of H2S

Cataluminescence is a kind of interesting chemiluminescence phenomenon on the gas–solid catalytic interface, and highly efficient cataluminescence is extremely anticipated. A CeO2/ZnO nanocomposite catalyst is successfully fabricated via the facile pyrolysis of a CeO2/ZIF-8 sacrificial precursor. Compared with CeO2 nanoparticles without modification, the CeO2/ZnO nanocomposite demonstrates a remarkable cataluminescence performance toward H2S, giving a 130 times increase in cataluminescence intensity, while ZnO nanoparticles derived from pure ZIF-8 do not show any luminescence signal. Moreover, the relationship between the CeO2/ZnO nanocomposite structure and the catalytic performance of H2S is further excavated via Raman spectroscopy and XPS technique. The results indicate that the improved cataluminescence toward H2S could be attributed to the capture-oxidation-release synergistic effect. H2S molecules are effectively captured by ZnO, subsequently catalytically oxidized on CeO2 with abundant oxygen vacancy, and finally released into the gas phase. Consequently, higher efficiency of catalytic luminescence is obtained owing to the synergic effect between CeO2 and ZnO components, and the detection limit of this proposed H2S sensor is as low as 9.50 ng·mL–1. The proposed capture-oxidation-release synergetic mechanism for an enhanced catalytic oxidation property is of great significance in the rational design and engineering of advanced catalysts for diverse application demands.

Co(Ⅲ) doped-CoFe layered double hydroxide growth with graphene oxide as cataluminescence catalyst for detection of carbon monoxide

In this work, the hybridization of Co(Ⅲ) doped-CoFe layered double hydroxide and graphene oxide (CoFe LDH/GO) was first employed as catalyst to establish a cataluminescence (CTL) gas sensor for detection of carbon monoxide. In order to obtain Co(Ⅲ) doped-CoFe LDH/GO with the best CTL performance, synthesis reaction parameters including amount of oxidant, oxidation time and amount of GO were studied. The structure and morphology of Co(Ⅲ) doped-CoFe LDH/GO were characterized. The Co(Ш) doped-CoFe LDH/GO based CTL sensor enabled the selective determination of carbon monoxide with signal response of 0.5 s and restores of 1.0 s. The RSD was 5.6% and CTL intensity remained stable within 10 days. The calibration curve of carbon monoxide is linear in concentration range of 0.01–20 mg/L and the limit of detection(LOD）is 0.002 mg/L. Comparing with the reported CTL sensor, the Co(Ш) doped-CoFe LDH/GO based CTL sensor shows wide linear range, low LOD and use little assistive technology. Carbon monoxide in automobile exhaust was quantified with recoveries of 92.0% to 108.0%. The analytical results were agreed well with gas chromatography method. This work designed high performance catalytic materials for CTL detection of carbon monoxide.

Highly efficient cataluminescence gas sensor based on nanosized h-BN for trace acetylacetone detection

Nonmetallic nanocatalysts have demonstrated powerful potential in cataluminescence (CTL) sensing fields. In this study, an original method for the fabrication of a CTL gas sensor was developed to detect acetylacetone based on nanosized hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). The luminescence characteristics and optimum operating temperature, wavelength, and carrier gas flow rate parameters for the h-BN sensor were studied in detail. Compared with other common gases (such as cyclohexanone, acetaldehyde, and acetone), the fabricated sensor demonstrated a high selectivity and sensitivity toward acetylacetone. This was verified by density functional theory calculations, which were consistent with the experimental results. The CTL intensity and concentration of acetylacetone had a linear relationship in the range of 0.050–20 μg ml−1 (r = 0.9989) with a low detection limit of 16 ng ml−1 (S/N = 3). The developed sensor was applied to analyze spiked samples, and satisfactory recoveries for acetylacetone of 82.2%–118% were obtained with excellent reproducibility (2.8%–11%). These results indicated that the system has excellent sensing properties including a high selectivity, sensitivity, and stability, proving its broad application prospects for detecting acetylacetone.

Optimization of Working Conditions by Response Surface Methodology of Sulfur Dioxide Gas Sensors Based on Au/CoO‐2La2WO6 Nanoparticles

AbstractIn the past, the working conditions of cataluminescence (CTL) method were simply determined by single factor experiment. This paper will illustrate the optimization of working conditions of a novel sulfur dioxide gas sensor based on Au/CoO‐2La2WO6 nanoparticles by response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimized working conditions, analytical wavelength 522.77 nm, reaction temperature 111.15 °C and carrier gas velocity 144.92 ml/min, the sensitivity of the method can be increased by 6.4 %. The optimization process is universal for many multi parameter processes. There is a good linear relationship between the CTL intensity and the concentration of sulfur dioxide in the range of 0.06–120 mg/m3 with a detection limit (3σ) of 0.015 mg/m3. The sensing properties of sensitive material were investigated. The results indicated that nano‐Au/CoO‐2La2WO6 could be a good candidate for fabricating sulfur dioxide gas sensors.

The development of a simple yet excellent cataluminescence sensor based on nano-Dy2O3 for the rapid monitoring of cyclopentanone

We report that cyclopentanone on the surface of nanosized dysprosium oxide (nano-Dy2O3) has strong chemiluminescence emission. A cyclopentanone gas sensor was built based on this phenomenon with a response time of 3 s and a recovery time of 10 s. The cataluminescence characteristics and factors affecting the signal intensity of cyclopentanone sensor were investigated in detail including selecting the appropriate sensing material, detection wavelength, working temperature, and air flow rate. Under these optimized conditions, the calibration curve of the cataluminescence intensity versus cyclopentanone vapor concentration was linear over 0.100–15.0 μg ml−1 with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9973; the limit of detection was 17 mg m−3 (signal/noise = 3). The relative standard deviation (RSD, n = 10) was 1.86% for ten replicates. The selectivity was significantly higher for the target analyte. The sensor was then used to analyze cyclopentanone in spiked samples and organic laboratory environment sample. The results show satisfactory recoveries of 93.3%–108% and RSDs of 7.9%–8.6% indicating that the developed sensor has the potential for the rapid analysis of cyclopentanone.

Discrimination and Detection of Oxygenated Volatile Organic Compounds Utilizing Energy Transfer Cataluminescence of La2O2CO3:Eu3+

The discrimination and detection of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) is one of the most serious subjects in chemical sensing because OVOCs as a class of substances in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are far more reactive than alkanes in the atmosphere. Herein, a novel ratio method based on cataluminescence (CTL) intensity on the surface of La2O2CO3 (I460) and La2O2CO3:Eu3+ (I620) was reported and used for simultaneous discrimination and detection of OVOCs within different concentrations. To confirm the feasibility of the proposed method, six kinds of common OVOCs, including isomers and similar substances were selected as representatives. Results show that the CTL intensity ratios (R620/460) at 620 nm and 460 nm were distinctive and notable (from 3.55 to 72.7), and the limits of detection (LOD) could be as low as 17.29 ng/mL (propanol). In addition, the principle of discrimination and detection was discussed briefly and the factors for energy transfer were preliminarily discussed to help explore energy transfer process between gas and solid interfaces.

A Highly Sensitive and Selective Isobutyraldehyde Sensor Based on Nanosized Sm2O3 Particles.

A highly sensitive and selective sensor for isobutyraldehyde (IBD) is demonstrated based on intensive cataluminescence (CTL) emission from the surface of nanosized Sm2O3 particles. The characteristics and optimum conditions for the CTL sensor, including the working temperature, wavelength, and flow rate, were investigated in detail. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the CTL intensity varied linearly with the concentration of IBD, in the two-order-of-magnitude range of 0.015–3.9 μg/mL, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.99991 and a limit of detection (LOD), at a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N = 3) of 4.6 ng/mL. The sensor was quite specific: butyraldehyde, methanol, ethanol, acetone, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, ethylbenzene, and cumene could not produce significant CTL intensities; specifically, butyraldehyde, ethanol, acetone, and acetaldehyde produced low CTL intensities, with values that were 3.8%, 2.8%, 0.60%, and 0.57% that of IBD. As a test of sensor stability, we found that the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 30 measurements of the CTL at an IBD concentration of 1.6 μg/mL within a period of 72 h was 2.2%, indicating good stability and long service life of the sensor. The sensor was tested against spiked samples containing IBD, and recoveries between 89.7% and 97.4% were obtained with an RSD of 6.1%–8.6%. The performance of the sensor indicated its utility for practical sample analysis.

A Cataluminescence Sensor Based on NiO Nanoparticles for Sensitive Detection of Acetaldehyde

Sensitive and selective detection of harmful gas is an important task in environmental monitoring. In this work, a gas sensor based on cataluminescence (CTL) for detection of acetaldehyde was designed by using nano-NiO as the sensing material. The sensor shows sensitive response to acetaldehyde at a relatively low working temperature of 200 °C. The linear range of CTL intensity versus acetaldehyde concentration is 0.02–2.5 mg/L, with a limit of detection of 0.006 mg/L at a signal-to-noise ratio of three. Mechanism study shows that electronically excited CO2 is the excited intermediate for CTL emission during the catalytic oxidation of acetaldehyde on the NiO surface. The proposed sensor has promising application in monitoring acetaldehyde in residential buildings and in the workplace.

A cataluminescence sensor for the detection of trichloroethylene based on PEG200/ZnO nanocomposite

The content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere will endanger the health and safety of human beings which makes it very important to develop a simple and rapid method for the determination of gas pollutants. Based on this, a new type of gas sensor was proposed for the detection of trichloroethylene in air. PEG200/ZnO nanocomposite were prepared by hydrothermal method. The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray energy spectrum and fourier infrared spectrum. The high selectivity of the materials was verified by using the cataluminescence (CTL) intensity of 9 kinds of VOCs on the surface of the materials as a reference. The results show that trichloroethylene can produce CTL response on the surface of PEG200/ZnO nanocomposite. Temperature, air flow rate and detector concentration all have certain effects on the CTL intensity. By comparing the CTL intensity under different reaction conditions, it is found that the suitable temperature and air flow rate are 120 °C, 180 mL/min and there is a good linear relationship between the relative CTL intensity and the concentration of the detected substance (y = 28.588 x - 285.56, R=0.9593). The gas sensor has the advantage of rapid response, and trichloroethylene can produce the maximum CTL on the surface of the material within 3 ~ 5 s.

Pt-activated Ce4La6O17 nanocomposites for formaldehyde and carbon monoxide sensor at low operating temperature

In this paper, a cataluminescence (CTL) type formaldehyde (HCHO) and carbon monoxide (CO) gas sensor based on their cross sensibility on platinum (Pt) activated Ce4La6O17 nanocomposites at lower operating temperature than 150 °C was reported. The Ce4La6O17 nanocomposites were synthesized via sol-gel method. Pt was added into the composites by dipping the composites into the aqueous solution of chloroplatinic acid and calcined at 300 °C. The EDS spectrum and TEM images showed the constituents, distribution and particle size of the obtained composites. The sensing conditions were optimized, and the sensing properties were characterized. The linear ranges of CTL intensity versus analyte concentration was 0.2–54.5 ppm for HCHO and 1.2–67.0 ppm for CO. The limits of detection were 0.04 ppm for HCHO and 0.6 ppm for CO. The recoveries of 10 testing standard samples was 96.6%～103.2% for HCHO and 97.6%～103.5% for CO. These results indicated that nano-Pt/Ce4La6O17 would be a good candidate for fabricating practical CTL gas sensor for HCHO and CO.

Titanium Dioxide-Yttrium(III)-Oxide Composite Based Cataluminescence Gas Sensor for Fast Detection of Propylene Oxide

Abstract By using nano TiO2-Y2O3 as catalyst, cataluminescence (CTL) phenomenon of propylene oxide (PO) was studied, and it was found that the sensor has high sensitivity and good selectivity for the detection of propylene oxide. The common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acetone, acetaldehyde and benzene show no response to the catalysis of TiO2-Y2O3. Based on this phenomenon, a propylene oxide CTL sensor was designed. The ratio of TiO2 and Y2O3 and the annealed temperatures of the composites were optimized. It was found that when the mass ratio of TiO2 and Y2O3 was 1:3 and the annealed temperature was 500 °C, the catalytic materials showed the best performance. 0.3 L min−1 of carrier gas flow rate, 490 nm of detection wavelength and 197 °C of working temperature were selected as the optimal working conditions, and under the optimized conditions, the quantitative analysis was performed and CTL intensity was linearly correlated with PO concentration from 4.5 mg L–1 to 1375 mg L–1 with a detection limit (3σ) of 1.25 mg L–1. The sensor was used for quantitative analysis and real-time monitoring of propylene oxide residues in fumigation cereals. The result was consistent with that analyzed by gas chromatography. The CTL sensor proposed here had many merits such as high sensitivity, rapidity and simple operation and had potential application prospects in the rapid detection of propylene oxide in food. At last, the mechanism of catalytic oxidation of PO was discussed as well.