Ppb Level Benzene Gas Detection by Portable BTX Sensor Based on Integrated Hollow Fiber Detection Cell

This paper describes the latest achievement in terms of airborne gas detection by the portable BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene) sensor developed in our laboratory. In order to achieve the 1 ppb benzene gas detection level, several improvements are discussed in this paper (two pumping systems, new detection cell based on aluminum coated hollow fiber). The results with calibrated gas are described from 0 to 10 ppb benzene gas diluted in nitrogen carrier gas, exhibiting good linearity and also good repeatability. Extra-peaks assumed to be coming from the tubing system contamination are also clearly detectable. Finally, response of the SBA16 mesoporous silica as the pre-concentrator material is investigated showing saturation after 20 min of concentration time.