Novel Chemical Sensor Concept for Neutral Radical Detection in Gas Phase

Abstract

A novel concept of solid-state chemical sensors for neutral radical detection in gas-phase and related technique are proposed based on chemiluminescence of sensing materials excited by heterogeneous chemical reactions of radicals on sensor surface. The radical species of interest include H, O, N, O 2 , CO, SO, NO and others. Surface activated phosphors, nano-phosphors and semiconductor films are good candidates for sensors. The advantages of these sensors are the enhanced sensitivity (~10 5 at/cm -3 or better), real-time response, reliability, proximate analysis, ability to be fabricated in combination with up-to-date nanotechnologies.