A cataluminescence sensor for propionaldehyde based on the use of nanosized zirconium dioxide

A sensor is described for the detection of propionaldehyde in the gas phase. The sensing scheme is based on the blue cataluminescence (CTL) emission that results from the catalytic oxidation of propionaldehyde on the surface of nanosized zirconium dioxide. The sensor displays high sensitivity to propionaldehyde, a response time of 3 s, and a recovery time of 8 s. Under optimized conditions, the intensity of CTL is linearly related to the concentration of propionaldehyde in the 2.5–1,300 mg·m⁻³ concentration range, with a limit of detection of 0.6 mg·m⁻³ (at an SNR of 3) and a relative standard deviation (for n = 6) of 2.2 % at a level of 80 mg·m−3 of propionaldehyde. Relatively weak interference is observed for ethanol, acetone and acetaldehyde. The method was applied to analyze environmental air samples containing propionaldehyde, and data were compared with those obtained by GC-MS. The results were in good agreement, thereby indicating the utility of the sensor for routine monitoring. A possible mechanism for the catalytic oxidation of propionaldehyde on the ZrO₂ surface is discussed on the basis of the chromatograms of the reaction products. (author)