A paper-based plasma-assisted cataluminescence sensor for ethylene detection

•CTL emission on the paper substrates was firstly obtained with plasma assistance.•The system operated temperature was at room temperature.•The CTL emission was affected by metal ions, nanomaterials, and substrates.•A paper-based plasma-assisted CTL sensor was fabricated for ethylene sensing.•The first example of CTL imaging on the paper substrates was provided.

The development of paper-based sensing devices has grown exponentially due to the unique properties of paper as a low-cost functional material. For a long period, paper-based cataluminescence (CTL) sensing devices were considered impractical because the operating temperature of CTL reactions is normally higher than 200 °C. Herein, we report, at the first time, a paper-based sensing system based on the CTL emission with the assistance of low-temperature plasma generated by air, which can be operated at room temperature. As demonstrated, enhanced catalytic ability and reactivity of the analytes were achieved, and CTL emission was obtained at room temperature, catalyzed by 0.320 wt% Mn-doped SiO2 nanomaterials on paper substrates. The CTL emission was affected by the type and relative amount of metal ions or nanomaterials, and different CTL intensities were obtained with different substrates. By optimization of the system, a paper-based CTL sensor was successfully fabricated for ethylene sensing. The sensor exhibited a wide linear response range and a limit of detection (LOD) at the ppm level. Good selectivity as well as the stability of the system was also demonstrated, and the first example of CTL imaging on paper substrates was provided. This approach furnishes a dramatically simplified CTL system, and the paper-based room temperature CTL sensor is expected to expand the applications of CTL.

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