A portable embedded drug precursor gas detection and identification device based on cataluminescence-based sensor array

A battery-operated, low-cost and portable embedded gas detection device consisting of a cataluminescence (CTL)-based sensor array was developed for the determination and identification of drug precursor gas. A total of 16 nanomaterials, including nano-sized metal oxides, decorated nanoparticles, and carbonates have been carefully selected as sensing elements of 4 × 4 sensor array. Dynamic and static analysis methods were utilized to characterize the performance of the portable gas detection device to 6 kinds of drug precursor gas. Each compound gave its unique CTL pattern after interaction with the sensor array, which can be employed for the detection and identification of drug precursor gas. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze the CTL patterns. The PCA plots showed that the groups of 6 types of drug precursor gas were well classified. In addition, the patterns obtained at different working temperature and the quantitative determination of the portable device was investigated. The results showed that the linear ranges and detection limits of the portable device for the analytes were excellent. Illegal drug detection is of great importance for public security, our study demonstrated the portable gas detection device shows promising perspective for the recognition and discrimination of drug precursor gas.

The schematic diagram of the portable embedded drug precursor gas detection device based on cataluminescence-based sensor array.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide