An ether sensor utilizing cataluminescence on nanosized ZnWO4

The cataluminescence (CTL) of ether on nanosized ZnWO4 was studied. A high sensitive and selective sensor for ether vapor was designed. Quantitative analysis was performed at an optimal temperature of 330 °C, a wavelength of 425 nm and a flow rate of 240 mL/min. The linear ranges of CTL intensity versus concentration of ether was 20–3500 ppm, with detection limit of 8.7 ppm. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) for five times determination of 1500 ppm ether was 1.3%. The response time of this system was less than 3 s. There is no response when ethanol, methanol, formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, acetic acid, sevoflurane and chloroform pass though the sensor. Acetone and acetaldehyde show a little response at levels around 2.2% and 2.0% compared with the response of ether. The technique is a convenient and fast way of determining ether in air.