Sensitive and selective system of benzene detection based on a cataluminescence sensor

Au/La₂O₃ nanomaterials were prepared through calcining Au‐modified La(OH)₃ precursors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) were employed to characterize the as‐prepared samples. Benzene, a common volatile organic compound, was selected as a model to investigate the cataluminescence (CTL)‐sensing properties of the Au/La₂O₃ nanomaterials. Results indicated that the as‐prepared Au/La₂O₃ exhibited outstanding CTL properties such as stable intensity, high signal‐to‐noise values, and short response and recovery times. Under optimized conditions, the benzene assay exhibited a broad linear range of 1–4000 ppm, with a limit of detection of 0.7 ppm, which was below the standard permitted concentrations. Furthermore, the gas sensor system showed outstanding selectivity for benzene compared with seven other types of common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The proposed gas sensor showed good characteristics with high selectivity, fast response time and long lifetime, which suggested the promising application of the Au/La₂O₃ nanomaterials as a novel highly efficient CTL‐sensing material. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of highly sensitive sensor system for methane utilizing cataluminescence

A gaseous sensor system was developed for the detection of methane based on its cataluminescence emission. Cataluminescence characteristics and optimal conditions were studied in detail under optimized experimental conditions. Results showed that the methane cataluminescence sensor system could cover a linear detection range from 10 to 5800 ppm (R = 0.9963, n = 7) and the detection limit was about 7 ppm (S/N = 3), which was below the standard permitted concentration. Moreover, a linear discriminant analysis method was used to test the recognizable performance of the methane sensor. It was found that methane, ethane, propane and pentane could be distinguished clearly. Its methane sensing properties, including improved sensitivity, selectivity, stability and recognition demonstrated the TiO₂/SnO₂ materials to be promising candidates for constructing a cataluminescence‐based gas sensor that could be used for detecting explosive gas contaminants. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A portable gas sensor based on cataluminescence

We describe a portable gas sensor based on cataluminescence. Miniaturization of the gas sensor was achieved by using a miniature photomultiplier tube, a miniature gas pump and a simple light seal. The signal to noise ratio (SNR) was considered as the evaluation criteria for the design and testing of the sensor. The main source of noise was from thermal background. Optimal working temperature and flow rate were determined experimentally from the viewpoint of improvement in SNR. A series of parameters related to analytical performance was estimated. The limitation of detection of the sensor was 7 ppm (SNR = 3) for ethanol and 10 ppm (SNR = 3) for hydrogen sulphide. Zirconia and barium carbonate were respectively selected as nano‐sized catalysts for ethanol and hydrogen sulphide. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of a cataluminescence sensor for detecting benzene based on magnesium silicate hollow spheres

A novel and sensitive gas sensor was developed for the determination of benzene based on its cataluminescence (CTL) by oxidation in air on the surface of hollow magnesium silicate spheres. Luminescence characteristics and optimum conditions were investigated. Results indicated that the as‐prepared magnesium silicate hollow spheres exhibited outstanding CTL properties such as stable intensity, high signal/noise values, and short response and recovery times. Under optimized conditions, benzene exhibited a broad linear range of 1–4500 ppm, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9946 and a limit of detection (signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N) = 3) of 0.6 ppm, which was below the standard permitted concentration. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for 100 ppm benzene was 4.3% (n = 6). Furthermore, the gas sensor system showed outstanding selectivity for benzene compared with nine other common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The proposed gas sensor showed good characteristics of high selectivity, fast response time and long lifetime, which suggested the promising application of magnesium silicate hollow spheres as a novel highly efficient CTL sensing material. The mechanism for the improved performance was also discussed based on the experimental results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A 1,2‐propylene oxide sensor utilizing cataluminescence on CeO2 nanoparticles

A simple and sensitive gas sensor was proposed for the determination of 1,2‐propylene oxide (PO) based on its cataluminescence (CTL) by oxidation in the air on the surface of CeO₂ nanoparticles. The luminescence characteristics and optimal conditions were investigated in detail. Under optimized conditions, the linear range of the CTL intensity versus the concentration of PO was 10–150 ppm, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9974 and a limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 0.9 ppm. The relative standard deviation for 40 ppm PO was 1.2% (n = 7). There was no or only weak response to common foreign substances including acetone, formaldehyde, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, chloroform, propanol, carbon tetrachloride, ether and methanol. There was no significant change in the catalytic activity of the sensor for 100 h. The proposed method was simple and sensitive, with a potential of detecting PO in the environment and industry. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An ethyl acetate sensor utilizing cataluminescence on Y2O3 nanoparticles

A cataluminescence (CTL) sensor using Y₂O₃ nanoparticles as the sensing materials was proposed for the determination of ethyl acetate. This ethyl acetate sensor showed high sensitivity and specificity at the optimal temperature of 264°C. Quantitative analysis was performed at a wavelength of 425 nm. The linear ranges of CTL intensity vs ethyl acetate concentrations were 2.0–250 ppm (r = 0.9965) and 250–6500 ppm (r = 0.9997) with a detection limit (3σ) of 0.5 ppm. There was no response or weak response when foreign substances such as formic acid, n‐hexane, toluene, acetic acid, benzene, and formaldehyde passing through the surface of Y₂O₃ nanoparticles. The sensor had a long lifetime more than 80 h with 3600 ppm ethyl acetate. It had been applied successfully to determine ethyl acetate in artificial air samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel gaseous dimethylamine sensor utilizing cataluminescence on zirconia nanoparticles

A novel cataluminescence (CTL) sensor using ZrO₂ nanoparticles as the sensing material was developed for the determination of trace dimethylamine in air samples based on the catalytic chemiluminescence (CL) of dimethylamine on the surface of ZrO₂ nanoparticles. The CTL characteristics and the different factors on the signal intensity for the sensor, including nanomaterials, working temperature, wavelength and airflow rate, were investigated in detail. The CL intensity on ZrO₂ nanoparticles was the strongest among the seven examined catalysts. This novel CL sensor showed high sensitivity and selectivity to gaseous dimethylamine at optimal temperature of 330°C. Quantitative analysis was performed at a wavelength of 620 nm. The linear range of CTL intensity vs concentration of gaseous dimethylamine was 4.71 × 10^?3 to 7.07 × 10^?2 mg L^?1 (r = 0.9928) with a detection limit (3σ) of 6.47 × 10^?4 mg L^?1. No or only very low levels of interference were observed while the foreign substances such as benzene, hydrochloric acid, methylbenzene, chloroform, n‐hexane and water vapor were passing through the sensor. The response time of the sensor was less than 50 s, and the sensor had a long lifetime of more than 60 h. The sensor was successfully applied to the determination of dimethylamine in artificial air samples, and could potentially be applied to analysis of nerve agents such as Tabun (GA). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sensitive and selective cataluminescence‐based sensor system for acetone and diethyl ether determination

A three‐dimensional hierarchical CdO nanostructure with a novel bio‐inspired morphology is reported. The field emission scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffractometer were employed to characterize the as‐prepared samples. In gas‐sensing measurements, acetone and diethyl ether were employed as target gases to investigate cataluminescence (CTL) sensing properties of the CdO nanostructure. The results show that the as‐fabricated CdO nanostructure exhibited outstanding CTL properties such as stable intensity, high signal/noise values, short response and recovery time. The limit of detection of acetone and diethyl ether was ca. 6.5 ppm and 6.7 ppm, respectively, which was below the standard permitted concentrations. Additionally, a principal components analysis method was used to investigate the recognizable ability of the CTL sensor, and it was found that acetone and diethyl ether can be distinguished clearly. The performance of the bio‐inspired CdO nanostructure‐based sensor system suggested the promising application of the CdO nanostructure as a novel highly efficient CTL sensing material. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fe-doped MOF-derived N-rich porous carbon nanoframe for H2S cataluminescence sensing

Metal-doped porous carbon matrix composites are considered as outstanding H₂S cataluminescence sensing materials for their good sulfur tolerance and high cataluminescence activity. In this work, an Fe-doped MOF-derived N-rich porous carbon nanoframe was successfully fabricated using the pyrolysis of Fe-doped ZIF-8 in an Ar atmosphere at a temperature of 900°C, and used for H₂S cataluminescence sensing. Along with zinc volatilization, the obtained porous carbon nanoframe not only had high specific surface area and abundant voids, but also had well dispersed Fe species doped in the skeleton. Compared with Fe₂O₃/ZnO composites derived from the same precursor but different pyrolysis terms, this as-prepared Fe-doped N-rich porous carbon presented a three times increase in the cataluminescence intensity towards H₂S, attributed to the porous carbon skeleton that is indispensable for dispersing catalytic active sites and providing more absorptive surface and voids. Comparably, this proposed sensor demonstrated high sensitivity and good selectivity, with the detection range of 1.57–19.58 μg·ml⁻¹ and detection limit of 0.13 μg·ml⁻¹ towards H₂S. This work may provide a new pathway for preparing catalysts for cataluminescence sensing with better metal distribution, higher specific surface area, and richer pores than ever before.     

A cataluminescence gas sensor for ammonium sulfide based on Fe3O4–carbon nanotubes composite

In the present work, Fe₃O₄–carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite was explored as a sensing material candidate for ammonium sulfide. Intense chemiluminescence emission can be observed during the catalytic oxidation of ammonium sulfide on the surface of Fe₃O₄–CNTs composite. Based on this phenomenon, a selective and sensitive gas sensor for the determination of ammonium sulfide was demonstrated. Under the optimized conditions, the linear range of cataluminescence intensity vs concentration of ammonium sulfide gas was 1.4–115 µg mL^?1 (R = 0.998) with a limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 0.05 µg mL^?1. The relative standard deviation (n = 5) for 14.3 µg mL^?1 ammonium sulfide was 1.9%. There was no response to common foreign substances, such as sulfur dioxide, toluene, aether, ethanol, acetone, hydrogen sulfide, carbon bisulfide, benzene and ammonia. The proposed sensor was successfully applied for the determination of ammonium sulfide in artificial air samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Detection of hydrogen sulphide using cataluminescence sensors based on alkaline-earth metal salts

Detection of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) was conducted based on cataluminescence (CTL) sensors, using alkaline‐earth metal carbonates as catalysts. Optimal working conditions, analytical characteristics and the response properties of the sensor were investigated. CTL intensity examination showed that sensors fabricated with CaCO₃, SrCO₃ or BaCO₃ could be used to detect H₂S gas sensitively. The optimal sensing temperature was about 320 °C. Under the sensing conditions with temperature at ca. 320 °C and gas flow rate in the range 180–200 mL/min, the linear range of CTL intensity vs H₂S concentration was 25–500 ppm, with a detection limit of 2 ppm. The response and recovery times of the sensor were within 5 and 25 min, respectively. Also, the sensor had the property of high selectivity to H₂S with very weak or no obvious response to 14 other gases, such as NO₂, NH₃, hydrocarbons and alcohol. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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/m³, and a detection limit 0.22 mL/m³. 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. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A colorimetric sensor for the selective detection of fluoride ions

A colorimetric receptor L was prepared. Receptor L can selectively sense F^? based on distinct color changes among a series of ions. It can selectively sense F^? through an intramolecular hydrogen bond interaction. A Job plot indicated a 1:1 complexation stoichiometry between receptor L and F^?. The association constant for L –F^? in CH₃CN was determined as 9.70 × 10⁴ M^?1 using a Stern–Volmer plot.     

Analysis of 2‐propanol in exhaled breath using in situ enrichment and cataluminescence detection

We report a simple gaseous sensor for the sensitive detection of trace 2‐propanol in exhaled breath using in situ enrichment and cataluminescence detection method on the surface of nanomaterials. The influences of heating voltage and absorption time on the CTL intensity were discussed, respectively. In the selected conditions, the linear range of 2‐propanol concentration is 60–600 ppbv and the detection of limit is 11 ppbv. Moreover, the lifetime and selectivity of the sensor were also investigated. It has the potential to diagnostic volatile organic compounds in human breath. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd     

Gas phase acetaldehyde production in a continuous bioreactor

The gas phase continuous production of acetaldehyde was studied with particular emphasis on the development of biocatalyst (alcohol oxidase on solid phase support materials) for a fixed bed reactor. Based on the experimental results in a batch bioreactor, the biocatalysts were prepared by immobilization of alcohol oxidase on Amberlite IRA-400, packed into a column, and the continuous acetaldehyde production in the gas phase by alcohol oxidase was performed. The effects of the reaction temperature, flow rates of gaseous stream, and ethanol vapor concentration on the performance of the continuous bioreactor were investigated. (c) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Detection of volatile organic compounds released by wood furniture based on a cataluminescence test system

Wood furniture is an important source of indoor air pollution. To date, the detection of harmful substances in wood furniture has relied on the control of a single formaldehyde component, therefore the detection and evaluation of pollutants released by wood furniture are necessary. A novel method based on a cataluminescence (CTL) sensor system generated on the surface of nano‐3TiO₂–2BiVO₄ was proposed for the simultaneous detection of pollutants released by wood furniture. Formaldehyde and benzene were selected as a model to investigate the CTL‐sensing properties of the sensor system. Field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to characterize the as‐prepared samples. The results showed that the as‐prepared test system exhibited outstanding CTL properties such as stable intensity, a high signal‐to‐noise ratio, and short response and recovery times. In addition, the limit of detection for formaldehyde and benzene was below the standard permitted concentrations. Moreover, the sensor system showed outstanding selectivity for formaldehyde and benzene compared with eight other common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The performance of the sensor system will enable furniture VOC limit emissions standards to be promulgated as soon as possible. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A selective protein sensor for heparin detection

No clinical assays for the direct detection of heparin in blood exist. To create a heparin sensor, the hyaluronan (HA)-binding domain (HABD) of a protein that binds heparin and HA was engineered. GST fusion proteins containing one to three HABD modules were cloned, expressed, and purified. The affinities of each construct for heparin and for HA were determined by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using immobilized HA or heparin. Each of the constructs showed modest affinity for immobilized HA. However, heparin was 100-fold more potent than HA as a competing ligand. With immobilized heparin, affinity increased as the HABD copy number increased. The three-copy construct, GST-HB3, detected unfractionated free heparin (UFH) as low as 39ng/ml (equivalent to approximately 0.1U/ml) with a signal-to-noise ratio of 5.6. GST-HB3 also showed 100-fold selectivity for heparin in preference to other glycosaminoglycans. The plot of logKd vs log [Na+] showed 2.5 ionic interactions per heparin-HB3 interaction. GST-HB3 showed a linear detection of both UFH (15kDa) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH; 6kDa) added to human plasma. For UFH, the range examined was 78 to over 2000ng/ml (equivalent to 0.2 to 5.0U/ml). For LMWH, the useful range was 312 to over 2000ng/ml. The coefficient of variance for the assay was < 9% for six serial heparin dilutions and <12% for three plasma samples. In clinical use, GST-HB3 could accurately measure therapeutic heparin levels in plasma (0.2 to 2U/ml).     

乙醛脱氢酶2基因在毕赤酵母中的表达和分离纯化

将乙醛脱氢酶2（ALDH2）基因整合到质粒pPIC9K上,构建重组表达载体pPIC9K-coALDH2,用电转导将表达质粒pPIC9K-coALDH2转化至毕赤酵母GS115中,在毕赤酵母中表达经密码子改造的ALDH2。结果表明：重组基因工程菌GS115（pPIC9K-coALDH2）发酵液中蛋白质量浓度为8.40 mg/L,1 mL发酵液中酶活为11.35 mU。     

Nucleic acid sensor for insecticide detection

Nucleic acid sensor based on polyaniline (PANI) has been fabricated by covalently immobilizing double stranded calf thymus (dsCT) DNA onto perchlorate (ClO(-) (4))-doped PANI film deposited onto indium-tin-oxide (ITO) glass plate using 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) chemistry. These dsCT-DNA-PANI-ClO(4)/ITO and PANI-ClO(4)/ITO electrodes have been characterized using square wave voltammetry, electrochemical impedance, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform-infrared (FTIR) measurements. This disposable dsCT-DNA-PANI-ClO(4)/ITO bioelectrode, stable for about 4 months, can be used to detect cypermethrin (0.005 ppm) and trichlorfon (0.01 ppm) in 30 and 60 s, respectively.     

A research on determination of explosive gases utilizing cataluminescence sensor array.

In this paper, we propose a model of a sensor array system, which consists of three cataluminescence sensors based on nanosized SrCO3, gamma-Al2O3 and BaCO3 as catalysts, for quantitative analysis of the explosive gases of propane, n-butane and iso-butane in a mixture. Six linear regression equations of the cataluminescence intensity vs. the gas concentrations in the range 2000-10,000 ppm were established from the sensor array system at two working temperatures, as the explosive gases show different sensitivity to the three sensors. The least squares method was employed for solving the simultaneous equations and quantifying the concentrations of the three components. The detection limits (3sigma) of propane, n-butane and iso-butane on SrCO3, gamma-Al2O3 and BaCO3 sensors are 50, 40 and 20 ppm, 80, 60 and 40 ppm, and 20, 10 and 5 ppm, respectively. The concentrations of two artificial samples containing the tertiary mixture were analysed with satisfactory results.