A high selective cataluminescence sensor for the determination of tetrahydrofuran vapor

A novel tetrahydrofuran (THF) vapor sensor was designed based on the cataluminescence (CTL) of THF on nanosized gamma-Al2O3/MgO (mol ratio = 1.5:1). SEM and XRD were applied for its characterization. We found that the CTL was strongly produced when THF vapor flowed through a nanosized Al-Mg mixed-metal oxide surface, while the CTL was weakly generated when THF vapor flowed through a single nanosized gamma-Al2O3 or MgO surface. Quantitative analysis was performed at an optimal temperature of 279 degrees C, a wavelength of 460 nm and a flow rate of 360 mL min(-1). The linear range of the CTL intensity versus concentrations of THF vapor was 1.0-3000 mL m(-3) with a detection limit of 0.67 mL m(-3). No (or only very low) interference was observed by formaldehyde, methanol, ethanol, benzene, toluene, ethyl acetate, ammonia, cyclohexane, chloroform, glycol armour ether, glycol ether, isopropyl ether and n-butyl ether or acetic acid. Since the response of the sensor was rapid and the system was easy to handle, we believe that the sensor has great potential for real-world use.