A Novel BTEX Gas Sensor Utilizing Cataluminescence on Nanosized Bi4MnO8

A novel method based on cataluminescence (CTL) generated on the surface of nanosized Bi₄MnO₈ was proposed for direct determination of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylenes) in air. The method showed high selectivity for BTEX at wavelength of 620 nm, satisfying activity at reaction temperature of 355°C and good stabiLity at air carrier flow rate of 125 ml/min. The Linear range of CTL intensity versus concentration of BTEX was 0.2~50 mg/m³ (γ=0.9992). Relative standard deviations (R.S.D., n=12) was 1.15 for 3 mg/m³ BTEX, and the detection Limit (3σ) was 0.08 mg/m³. Common coexistence matters, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, ammonia, ethanol, methanol, and so on, did not disturb the determination of BTEX. The recovery of testing BTEX in artificial air samples was 95.4%-104.8%. This method allowed rapid determination of BTEX in air, and showed potential advantages owing to its high selectivity, long Life and real-time procedure for environmental analysis.