Semiconductor Nanomaterials for Gas Sensor Applications

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the engineering and art of manipulating matter at the nanoscale. The adaptability of physical and chemical properties of metal, semiconductor, noble, and composite nanoparticles renders them as promising materials in the fields ranging from optoelectronics to sensors. These nanoparticles or their self-assemblies are able to distinguish the mixtures of gases, volatile organic compounds, and others. Detection of pollutant, toxic, refining, and combustible gases is significant for framework and process control, safety monitoring, and environmental safeguard. In the last two decades, there have been essential improvements in two key areas that may make this guarantee a reality. First is the improvement of a diversity of excellent performing nanostructured metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs), the most commonly utilized materials for gas sensing. Second are advances in very low power loss reduced heater elements.