Relevance of pore network connectivity in tannin-derived carbons for rapid detection of BTEX traces in indoor air

This study showcases the exceptional detection capabilities of a silicon-based micro-analytical device engineered to identify low concentrations of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) in indoor air, with a focus on the critical role of connectivity within the adsorbent material. Two mi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: El Mohajir Achraf, Castro-Gutiérrez Jimena, Celzard Alain, Berger Franck, Fierro Vanessa, Sanchez Jean-Baptiste
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: De Gruyter 2025-04-01
Series:Reviews on Advanced Materials Science
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1515/rams-2025-0103
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Summary:This study showcases the exceptional detection capabilities of a silicon-based micro-analytical device engineered to identify low concentrations of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) in indoor air, with a focus on the critical role of connectivity within the adsorbent material. Two micro-mesoporous carbons were synthesized using an eco-friendly method, differing primarily in their mesoporosity: one with an ordered structure (OMC) and the other with a disordered, interconnected porous network (DMC). The high pore connectivity of the DMC significantly enhanced BTEX accessibility to micropores, leading to superior preconcentration and detection performance, even under realistic conditions with 60% relative humidity at 25°C. The DMC-based system achieved the detection of BTEX compounds at ppb levels within a short analysis time (∼10 min), demonstrating the importance of pore network connectivity in the adsorption process. This study underscores the potential of DMC as a highly efficient adsorbent for detecting volatile organic compounds in challenging indoor environments, where high connectivity within the porous structure is key to achieving outstanding performance.
ISSN:1605-8127