Portable Electrochemical Sensor for Detection of Tricresyl-Phosphate

Abstract

Tricresyl-phosphate, a toxic organophosphate, is added widely in jet engine oil, acting as a flame retardant and a plasticizer. On an aircraft where the air is circulated, TCP may enter the cabin and be a hazard to the health of passengers, if oil leakage occurs. Current analytical techniques to detect TCP such as GC-MS, HPLC, and TLC have disadvantages of complex and expensive instrument, trained operators needed. A new portable and easy operating analytical device is needed. In this work, we are describing a hand-held analytical device, for real-time detection of TCP in air. Chemical degradation was carried out in order to get electrochemically active chemical, the cresol. The analytical device is observed to detect cresol in high sensitivity, wide linear range, and high selectivity. The detection limit of TCP is 4 ppb in an air sample.

Electrode Passivation by Phenolic Compounds: Modeling Analysis

“…Electrode fouling is a common problem during electrochemical analysis and disposal of phenolic compounds, such as phenol, cresol and its derivative, tricresyl phosphate (TCP), which is used widely in jet engine oils and has high potential to contaminate the aircraft cabin. [1][2][3][4][5] Anti-fouling modifications have been applied to the electrode surface to solve this issue. 6,7 However, a deeper understanding about electrode fouling mechanism is still necessary for scientific investigation and development of appropriate countermeasures for its effect.…”