Enhanced cataluminescence sensing of volatile organic compounds using CeO2/MxOy nanocomposites

Background Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represent a major environmental concern due to their detrimental effects on atmospheric quality and public health. In response to this challenge, cataluminescence (CTL)-based sensing has emerged as a powerful analytical technique. This research focuses on engineering advanced CTL sensors through nanomaterial innovation, specifically the development of cerium oxide-based nanocomposites for enhanced VOC monitoring. The exceptional catalytic properties and rare-earth electronic effects of CeO 2 make it an ideal candidate for improving sensor performance. The work addresses a critical need for efficient VOC sensors by leveraging nanomaterial engineering to enhance CTL-based sensing platforms. Results The CeO 2 /M x O y nanocomposites (including CeO 2 /ZnO and CeO 2 /Sm 2 O 3 ) were successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal method and systematically characterized using PXRD, FT-IR, SEM, and XPS. The CeO 2 incorporation significantly enhanced CTL responses compared to pure M x O y , due to cerium's exceptional catalytic activity and enhanced electron transfer. The optimized CeO 2 /ZnO system (λ = 440 nm, 300 °C, 270 mL min −1 ) demonstrated excellent linear response to diethyl ether with a remarkable detection limit of 6.29 × 10 −5  mol L −1 , while CeO 2 /Sm 2 O 3 (λ = 490 nm, 320 °C, 360 mL min −1 ) showed comparable performance for acetone detection. Both systems exhibited outstanding selectivity against over ten common VOC interferents and maintained stable responses through 11 operational cycles. Spike-recovery tests yielded satisfactory results (93–106 % recovery) with good precision (RSD 4.3–6.2 %), confirming the method's potential for environmental monitoring. Significance This study develops an innovative solvothermal approach for synthesizing CeO 2 /M x O y nanocomposites, significantly advancing CTL-based VOC detection through simultaneous improvements in selectivity, sensitivity, and operational stability. The established methodology offers a scalable platform for developing advanced gas sensors for environmental monitoring and industrial safety. By overcoming critical challenges in VOC sensing, this research facilitates the translation of CTL technology from laboratory research to practical air quality management.