Formaldehyde Detector

Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical, which can be found in various building materials such as wood products, insulation and glues. It is known to cause a wide range of health problems including respiratory irritation and allergic reactions. For this reason it is important to measure the levels of formaldehyde in the air with a high quality portable formaldehyde detector.

What instrument is used to detect formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde gas detectors use colorimetric or spectrometric methods to detect the presence of formaldehyde. Spectrometric formaldehyde detectors use colored reagents that change from colorless to colored when exposed to formaldehyde in the air. They have a very rapid response time, and they can be used in harsh conditions because they are not sensitive to moisture.

Photoelectric or photoacoustic methods of detection are also commonly used for formaldehyde measurement. These devices work by pulsating laser light to excite the gas molecules and induce pressure fluctuations in the gas sample. The magnitude of the pressure fluctuations is directly proportional to the concentration of the gases. These instruments can be used in ambient environments with a range of up to 90 ppb.

Recently, a flexible formaldehyde sensor was developed by coating a TiO2 sensing film on a PET substrate with a molecular-sieving ZIF-7/polyether block amide (PEBA) composite overlayer. This sensor showed a fast, stable response to a 5 ppb formaldehyde-gas mixture and excellent selectivity against ethanol interference. Furthermore, the sensor was able to bend up to 155deg without influencing the resistance and gas response, indicating its potential for flexible applications.