Because a passive technology employing simple diffusion is most suitable for sampling and detection of various gas pollutants in museum environments, a passive diffusive sampler was designed and optimized. Analysis of the collector’s working principles, led to a formula based on the Fick’s first law of diffusion for calculating the pollutant concentration. After comparison of two typical existing models – the badge type and the tube type – a tube type was selected as the prototype for further development. A connector component was added and nitrogen dioxide was used as a representative pollutant gas to test the effectiveness of different sampler combinations. Results of these studies suggested that this type of sampler is flexible and can be adapted to actual environments, thus enhancing its applicability. Data based on nitrogen dioxide collection, indicated that design requirements had been met. These studies also indicated that extending the sampler tube can reduce sample dispersion while double-face sampling can multiply pollutant adsorption quantity and improve sensitivity.