Accuracy and cross-sensitivity analysis of the PMS5003 formaldehyde sensor

Measurement data produced with the PMS5003 electrochemical sensor, allegedly selective for formaldehyde, were analyzed. The amounts of formaldehyde released from heated standard solutions were measured. At the same time, samples were sorbed into sorption tubes with an XAD-2 cartridge, which enabled chromatographic analysis – gas chromatography coupled with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). A susceptibility of the PMS5003 sensor to cross-sensitivity associated with the presence of other low-molecular-weight carbonyl compounds, such as acetaldehyde and acetone in the sample, was also tested. The conducted research clearly indicates poor selectivity/accuracy of the PMS5003 sensor in relation to formaldehyde and its sensitivity to the presence of other carbonyl compounds in the sample, with a structure similar to formaldehyde.