Studies of the Cataluminescence of Benzene Homologues onNanosized γ–Al2O3/Eu2O3 and the Development of a Gas Sensorfor Benzene Homologue Vapors

The cataluminescence (CTL) of benzene and the benzene homologues tolueneand xylene on nanosized γ–Al2O3 doped with Eu2O3 (γ–Al2O3/Eu2O3) was studied and asensor of determining these gases was designed. The proposed sensor showed highsensitivity and selectivity at an optimal temperature of 432 oC, a wavelength of 425 nm anda flow rate of 400 mL/min. Quantitative analysis was performed at the optimal conditions.The linear ranges of CTL intensity versus concentration of the benzene homologues were asfollows: benzene 2.4~5000 mL/m3, toluene 4.0~5000 mL/m3 and xylene 6.8~5000 mL/m3,with detection limits (3σ) of 1.8 mL/m3, 3.0 mL/m3 and 3.4 mL/m3 for each one,respectively. The response time of this system was less than 3 s. The coexistence of othergases, such as SO2, CO and NH3, caused interference at levels around 11.7%, 5.8% and8.9% respectively. The technique is a convenient and fast way of determining the vapors ofbenzene homologues in air.