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Gas Sensors and Gas Chromatography for Analytical Applications

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 21555

Special Issue Editor

Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
Interests: two-dimensional gas chromatography; mass spectrometry; electronic noses; application of instrumental techniques in food analytics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

From year to year, more and more attention is being paid to the quality of results obtained. This is a response to the broadly understood needs of the environment and results from the possibilities offered by technological development. Two approaches dominate the instrumental analysis devoted to the study of gas samples. The first consists of carrying out the analysis in a holistic manner, i.e., without dividing the gas sample into its individual components. Devices equipped with gas sensors are used for this purpose. The second approach is based on the process of separating the gas mixture into individual volatile chemical compounds, which are then detected, identified, and determined using an appropriate detector. In this matter, the use of gas chromatography with various variants of detection techniques is irreplaceable. It turns out that these two such different approaches in many cases complement each other. When conducting research with the use of gas sensors, often at the stage of designing a device or when calibrating these sensors, it is useful, and often necessary, to know the composition of the gas mixture. On the other hand, through knowing the composition of the tested gas mixture, it is possible to select the key volatile substance, which is the most important for a given application. This makes it possible to work on the development of a new gas sensor or a set of such sensors, enabling quick sample analysis. For this reason, this Special Issue is devoted to the broad topic of the use of gas sensors and gas chromatography in analytical applications. The issue will focus on the latest technical solutions for the construction and application of gas sensors, new conceptual devices equipped with sensor systems, new products in the world of electronic noses, innovative processing of sensor signals and data treatment techniques with their implementation, and the development of new analytical methods taking into account the use of gas chromatography. These developments enable the identification and determination of key chemicals characterizing a given chemical phenomenon or process and provide further perspectives for the development of new methodological, conceptual, and design solutions in sensor applications. Independent research using gas sensors or gas chromatography is considered, but also combined research which explores the scientific synthesis of the previously mentioned approaches. We would like to invite researchers to submit both original and review papers. The contributions should be related to the listed topics

The scope of this Special Issue includes the following topics:

  • Broadly understood new gas sensor technical solutions;
  • Novel construction solutions applied in single gas sensor and sensor array technologies;
  • New approaches in the use of advanced signal treatment and data processing methods;
  • Miniaturization of single gas sensors, sensor arrays, as well as miniaturization of sensor devices, including electronic noses, and gas chromatography systems;
  • Miniaturization of electronic noses;
  • Novel analytical methodologies concerning the use of gas sensors, gas sensor arrays, electronic noses, or gas chromatography;
  • Broad range of investigations of real samples in the terms of qualitative and quantitative analysis achieved with the use of gas sensors and gas chromatography systems;
  • New approaches in real sample classifications using sensor systems;
  • All types of analytical applications combining gas sensors and gas chromatography analysis.

Dr. Tomasz Marcin Dymerski
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Gas sensor
  • Gas chromatography
  • Gas sensor arrays
  • Electronic noses
  • Miniaturization
  • New analytical methodologies
  • Volatiles
  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis
  • Classifications
  • Signal treatment
  • Data processing methods
  • Chemometrics

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 15661 KiB  
Article
A Compact Monitor for Ethylene and Other Plant-Produced Volatile Organic Compounds for NASA Space Missions
by Vladimir Dobrokhotov, Alexander Larin, Elena Viugina, Adam Emberton, Andrey Livchak, Jay T. Cremer, Jr. and Charles K. Gary
Sensors 2023, 23(24), 9713; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s23249713 - 08 Dec 2023
Viewed by 733
Abstract
In this work, we discuss the development of a compact analytical instrument for monitoring ethylene in compact greenhouses utilized by NASA to grow fresh vegetables in space. Traditionally, ethylene measurements are conducted by GC-MS systems. However, in space, they are not applicable due [...] Read more.
In this work, we discuss the development of a compact analytical instrument for monitoring ethylene in compact greenhouses utilized by NASA to grow fresh vegetables in space. Traditionally, ethylene measurements are conducted by GC-MS systems. However, in space, they are not applicable due to their bulky size, heavy weight, special carrier gas requirement and high maintenance. Our group developed a compact and robust battery-powered ethylene monitor based on the principles of analytical gas chromatography. The device utilizes purified ambient air as a carrier gas and a metal oxide sensor as a GC detector. Implementation of a CarboWax 20 M packed column from Restek together with a Tenax TA pre-concentrator allowed us to achieve a 20 ppb limit of detection for ethylene. Full automation of measurements and reporting of concentrations was accomplished via the implementation of a Raspberry Pi 4 computer and a 7″ 720P LED capacitive touchscreen utilized for data output. Based on a feasibility study, a fully automated, industrial-grade ethylene monitoring and removal system for greenhouses was developed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gas Sensors and Gas Chromatography for Analytical Applications)
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13 pages, 4643 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Analysis of the Refractometric Sensitivity of a Coated Whispering Gallery Mode Resonator for Gas Sensing Applications
by Davor Ristić, Daniil Zhivotkov, Snigdha Thekke Thalakkal, Elena Romanova and Mile Ivanda
Sensors 2022, 22(23), 9155; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22239155 - 25 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1093
Abstract
We present a theoretical analysis of the refractometric sensitivity of a spherical microresonator coated with a porous sensing layer performed for different whispering gallery modes. The effective refractive index of the modes is also calculated. The calculations are also made for a system [...] Read more.
We present a theoretical analysis of the refractometric sensitivity of a spherical microresonator coated with a porous sensing layer performed for different whispering gallery modes. The effective refractive index of the modes is also calculated. The calculations are also made for a system which has an additional high-refractive index layer sandwiched between the microsphere and the porous sensing layer. The results of the calculation are discussed in regards to the applicability of the studied systems for gas sensor construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gas Sensors and Gas Chromatography for Analytical Applications)
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32 pages, 1294 KiB  
Article
Electronic Noses and Their Applications for Sensory and Analytical Measurements in the Waste Management Plants—A Review
by Justyna Jońca, Marcin Pawnuk, Adalbert Arsen and Izabela Sówka
Sensors 2022, 22(4), 1510; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22041510 - 15 Feb 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6010
Abstract
Waste management plants are one of the most important sources of odorants that may cause odor nuisance. The monitoring of processes involved in the waste treatment and disposal as well as the assessment of odor impact in the vicinity of this type of [...] Read more.
Waste management plants are one of the most important sources of odorants that may cause odor nuisance. The monitoring of processes involved in the waste treatment and disposal as well as the assessment of odor impact in the vicinity of this type of facilities require two different but complementary approaches: analytical and sensory. The purpose of this work is to present these two approaches. Among sensory techniques dynamic and field olfactometry are considered, whereas analytical methodologies are represented by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), single gas sensors and electronic noses (EN). The latter are the core of this paper and are discussed in details. Since the design of multi-sensor arrays and the development of machine learning algorithms are the most challenging parts of the EN construction a special attention is given to the recent advancements in the sensitive layers development and current challenges in data processing. The review takes also into account relatively new EN systems based on mass spectrometry and flash gas chromatography technologies. Numerous examples of applications of the EN devices to the sensory and analytical measurements in the waste management plants are given in order to summarize efforts of scientists on development of these instruments for constant monitoring of chosen waste treatment processes (composting, anaerobic digestion, biofiltration) and assessment of odor nuisance associated with these facilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gas Sensors and Gas Chromatography for Analytical Applications)
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18 pages, 1968 KiB  
Article
Investigation on Sensing Performance of Highly Doped Sb/SnO2
by Zhifu Feng, Andrea Gaiardo, Matteo Valt, Barbara Fabbri, Davide Casotti, Soufiane Krik, Lia Vanzetti, Michele Della Ciana, Simona Fioravanti, Stefano Caramori, Alberto Rota and Vincenzo Guidi
Sensors 2022, 22(3), 1233; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22031233 - 06 Feb 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2451
Abstract
Tin dioxide (SnO2) is the most-used semiconductor for gas sensing applications. However, lack of selectivity and humidity influence limit its potential usage. Antimony (Sb) doped SnO2 showed unique electrical and chemical properties, since the introduction of Sb ions leads to [...] Read more.
Tin dioxide (SnO2) is the most-used semiconductor for gas sensing applications. However, lack of selectivity and humidity influence limit its potential usage. Antimony (Sb) doped SnO2 showed unique electrical and chemical properties, since the introduction of Sb ions leads to the creation of a new shallow band level and of oxygen vacancies acting as donors in SnO2. Although low-doped SnO2:Sb demonstrated an improvement of the sensing performance compared to pure SnO2, there is a lack of investigation on this material. To fill this gap, we focused this work on the study of gas sensing properties of highly doped SnO2:Sb. Morphology, crystal structure and elemental composition were characterized, highlighting that Sb doping hinders SnO2 grain growth and decreases crystallinity slightly, while lattice parameters expand after the introduction of Sb ions into the SnO2 crystal. XRF and EDS confirmed the high purity of the SnO2:Sb powders, and XPS highlighted a higher Sb concentration compared to XRF and EDS results, due to a partial Sb segregation on superficial layers of Sb/SnO2. Then, the samples were exposed to different gases, highlighting a high selectivity to NO2 with a good sensitivity and a limited influence of humidity. Lastly, an interpretation of the sensing mechanism vs. NO2 was proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gas Sensors and Gas Chromatography for Analytical Applications)
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19 pages, 4491 KiB  
Article
Full Workflows for the Analysis of Gas Chromatography—Ion Mobility Spectrometry in Foodomics: Application to the Analysis of Iberian Ham Aroma
by Rafael Freire, Luis Fernandez, Celia Mallafré-Muro, Andrés Martín-Gómez, Francisco Madrid-Gambin, Luciana Oliveira, Antonio Pardo, Lourdes Arce and Santiago Marco
Sensors 2021, 21(18), 6156; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21186156 - 14 Sep 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4889
Abstract
Gas chromatography—ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) allows the fast, reliable, and inexpensive chemical composition analysis of volatile mixtures. This sensing technology has been successfully employed in food science to determine food origin, freshness and preventing alimentary fraud. However, GC-IMS data is highly dimensional, complex, [...] Read more.
Gas chromatography—ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) allows the fast, reliable, and inexpensive chemical composition analysis of volatile mixtures. This sensing technology has been successfully employed in food science to determine food origin, freshness and preventing alimentary fraud. However, GC-IMS data is highly dimensional, complex, and suffers from strong non-linearities, baseline problems, misalignments, peak overlaps, long peak tails, etc., all of which must be corrected to properly extract the relevant features from samples. In this work, a pipeline for signal pre-processing, followed by four different approaches for feature extraction in GC-IMS data, is presented. More precisely, these approaches consist of extracting data features from: (1) the total area of the reactant ion peak chromatogram (RIC); (2) the full RIC response; (3) the unfolded sample matrix; and (4) the ion peak volumes. The resulting pipelines for data processing were applied to a dataset consisting of two different quality class Iberian ham samples, based on their feeding regime. The ability to infer chemical information from samples was tested by comparing the classification results obtained from partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and the samples’ variable importance for projection (VIP) scores. The choice of a feature extraction strategy is a trade-off between the amount of chemical information that is preserved, and the computational effort required to generate the data models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gas Sensors and Gas Chromatography for Analytical Applications)
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15 pages, 996 KiB  
Article
Development of Gas Sensor Array for Methane Reforming Process Monitoring
by Dominik Dobrzyniewski, Bartosz Szulczyński, Tomasz Dymerski and Jacek Gębicki
Sensors 2021, 21(15), 4983; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21154983 - 22 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2504
Abstract
The article presents a new method of monitoring and assessing the course of the dry methane reforming process with the use of a gas sensor array. Nine commercially available TGS chemical gas sensors were used to construct the array (seven metal oxide sensors [...] Read more.
The article presents a new method of monitoring and assessing the course of the dry methane reforming process with the use of a gas sensor array. Nine commercially available TGS chemical gas sensors were used to construct the array (seven metal oxide sensors and two electrochemical ones). Principal Component Regression (PCR) was used as a calibration method. The developed PCR models were used to determine the quantitative parameters of the methane reforming process: Inlet Molar Ratio (IMR) in the range 0.6–1.5, Outlet Molar Ratio (OMR) in the range 0.6–1.0, and Methane Conversion Level (MCL) in the range 80–95%. The tests were performed on model gas mixtures. The mean error in determining the IMR is 0.096 for the range of molar ratios 0.6–1.5. However, in the case of the process range (0.9–1.1), this error is 0.065, which is about 6.5% of the measured value. For the OMR, an average error of 0.008 was obtained (which gives about 0.8% of the measured value), while for the MCL, the average error was 0.8%. Obtained results are very promising. They show that the use of an array of non-selective chemical sensors together with an appropriately selected mathematical model can be used in the monitoring of commonly used industrial processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gas Sensors and Gas Chromatography for Analytical Applications)
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11 pages, 1112 KiB  
Communication
Effect of Supplementation of Flour with Fruit Fiber on the Volatile Compound Profile in Bread
by Robert Rusinek, Marzena Gawrysiak-Witulska, Aleksander Siger, Anna Oniszczuk, Aneta A. Ptaszyńska, Jarosław Knaga, Urszula Malaga-Toboła and Marek Gancarz
Sensors 2021, 21(8), 2812; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21082812 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2353
Abstract
This paper presents the analyses of the effect of fiber additives on volatile organic compounds in bread. The bread was baked from wheat flour with the addition of 3% of fruit fiber, following common procedures. After baking, volatile organic compounds contained in the [...] Read more.
This paper presents the analyses of the effect of fiber additives on volatile organic compounds in bread. The bread was baked from wheat flour with the addition of 3% of fruit fiber, following common procedures. After baking, volatile organic compounds contained in the control bread and breads supplemented with cranberry, apple, and chokeberry fiber were determined. The SPME/GC-MS technique was used for the identification of the odor profile, and the electronic nose Agrinose (e-nose) was used to assess the intensity of the aroma. The results of the analyses revealed the profile of volatile organic compounds in each experimental variant, which was correlated with responses of the electronic nose. The results indicate that the volatile compound profile depends on the bread additives used and influences the intensity of bread aroma. Moreover, the profile of volatile organic compounds in terms of their amount and type, as well as the intensity of their interaction with the active surface of the electrochemical sensors, was specific exclusively for the additive in each case. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gas Sensors and Gas Chromatography for Analytical Applications)
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