Real-Time Monitoring of Acetaldehyde in Air by Cataluminescence-Based Gas Sensor

A highly sensitive, simple and selective gas sensor was developed for the determination of trace acetaldehyde in air based on cataluminescence (CTL) on nano-sized Al2Ti2O7. The gas sensor showed high selectivity for acetaldehyde at 515 nm and satisfying activity at 295°C. The linear range of the CTL intensity versus concentration of acetaldehyde was 1~65 mg/m3, and the detection limit (3σ) was 0.5 mg/m3. No interference was observed while the foreign substances, such as ammonia, ethanol, formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, were passing through the sensor. The gas sensor displayed good stability for continuously introducing 10 mg/m3 acetaldehyde over 60 h, and allowed real-time monitoring of acetaldehyde in air.