Volatile Organic Compounds and their Applications
This Special Topic includes a collection of articles focused on the detection and applications of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), viz. compounds with relatively high vapor pressure at room temperature and atmospheric pressure so they vaporize readily. The sources of VOC emission are widespread and can be of natural origin or through human activities. They can affect both indoor and outdoor air quality and is a quantitative way to measure the status of an eco-system. VOCs can be used as markers of explosives, insect infestation, fruit ripening, and more. Notably, specific VOCs in body fluids (e.g., blood, breath, urine) and skin, feces, etc. can be used as a non-invasive way to monitor diseases and health conditions. Therefore, detection and monitoring of VOCs is expected to find useful applications in multiple areas including health, catalysis, food security, environmental monitoring, and the emerging area of quantifying environmental sustainability.
Guest Editor: Hossam Haick, with APR Editor Thirumalai Venkatesan.
