A new method for recognizing organic vapor by spectroscopic image on cataluminescence-based gas sensor

'Cataluminescence' is a kind of chemiluminescence emitted during catalytic oxidation of combustible gas. This paper describes a new method using a system which can measure spectroscopic images on a cataluminescence-based sensor to discriminate and determine concentrations of organic vapors in air. Using this equipment, we can measure continuously the image of 'cataluminescence' intensity, which reflects the type and concentration of organic vapor, as a function of wavelength and catalyst temperature. Not only the difference between alcohol and ketone, but also the kind of alcohol, e.g: ethanol and butanol, can be distinguished and determined quantitatively by means of this system. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.