Carbon Monoxide Fabric Detector

[shathaway]

Hi, 

 

I am a fashion student and not into science at all which is why I need help! 

 

I am trying to create a fabric that will change colour when exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide. 

 

Does anyone know how I would be able to do this to the fabric?

 

Any help is greatly appreciated!! 

 

[exchemist]

Hi, 

 

I am a fashion student and not into science at all which is why I need help! 

 

I am trying to create a fabric that will change colour when exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide. 

 

Does anyone know how I would be able to do this to the fabric?

 

Any help is greatly appreciated!! 

A compound widely used for visual CO detectors is sodum disuphitopalladate: K2Pd(SO3)2, which changes from yellow to brown and eventually black, due to the reaction: K2Pd(SO3)2 + CO -> CO2 + Pd + SO2 + K2SO3. Palladium is reduced to the metal, while oxidising CO to CO2.

 

I do not know wether it is safe to put this chemical in a fabric worn next to the skin, but you can check the MSDS for yourself. Also it will be quite costly. Palladium is a precious metal. The little cartridges in CO detectors are tiny compared with a garment.   

 

But lastly, what's the point? A detector near the potential source of CO is more practical. If you want it for people working with burners that might expose them to CO, then they can easily carry a Draeger tube for CO and test the air before starting work.