Research on benzene, toluene and dimethylbenzene detection based on a cataluminescence sensor.

We present a sensitive and quick way to determine benzene, toluene and dimethylbenzene (BTEX) in air, applying a cataluminescence (CTL) sensor based on a nano-sized composite material, γ-Al2O3/PtO2. The factors that affect the sensor's performance were studied, including the sensing material, temperature, rate of air carrier and wavelength. It was shown that when Pt accounted for 0.2% of the sensing material, the rate of the air carrier that carries target gas was 450 mL/min, the determination wavelength was 400 nm and temperature was 236 °C, this sensor showed the best CTL intensity to BTEX. In addition, the CTL intensity had a high linear relation with the concentration of BTEX, with a linear range from 0.5 to 100 mL/m(3), and a detection limit 0.22 mL/m(3). This nano-sized material had a quick response within 1.5 s, short recovery time within 1 min and a long lifetime, showing good potential for a variety of applications.