A research on detection and identification of volatile organic compounds utilizing cataluminescence-based sensor array

A novel cataluminescence (CTL)-based sensor array consisting of 16 types of catalytic nanomaterials was developed for the determination and identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The sensing nanomaterials, including nano-sized metal oxides, decorated nanoparticles, carbonates, and nano-sized AgSe have been selected carefully. A 4 × 4 array was integrated by depositing these nanomaterials onto the ceramic chip. Dynamic and static analysis methods were utilized to characterize the performance of the sensor array to 12 kinds of VOCs. Each compound gives its unique CTL pattern after interaction with the sensor array, which can be employed to recognize VOCs. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze the CTL patterns. PCA was conducted to classify the drug precursor gas and the plots showed that the groups were well classified. In addition, the patterns obtained at different working temperature and the analytical characteristics of array were investigated. The CTL-based sensor array shows promising perspective for the recognition and discrimination of VOCs.