Cataluminescence gas sensor for ketones based on nanosized NaYF4:Er

A novel gas sensor toward ketones based on cataluminescence generated on the surface of nanosized NaYF4:Er was developed. The sensing materials NaYF4:Er was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The effect of Er3+ doping concentration and crystallinity of NaYF4:Er on the CTL intensity were studied. When the Er3+ doping concentration reaches 20%, the materials show excellent sensing characteristics for ketones. Under the optimal experimental conditions, as represented by the acetone and butanone, the gas sensor has fast responses (3 s) and relatively low work temperature (250 °C). The linear range of cataluminescence intensity versus concentration were 2.388-143.28 μg mL−1 for acetone and 2.45-49.0 μg mL−1 for butanone, with a detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio is 3) of 1.7 μg mL−1 and 0.7 μg mL−1, respectively. Foreign 11 substances in common have little interference which indicates the high selectivity of the CTL sensor for ketones.