Strategies for the performance enhancement of graphene-based gas sensors: A review

Abstract

Gas sensors have aroused much attention in recent years for the important effect in modern society. Graphene, with unique structure and characteristic properties, has been considered as a promising candidate for fabricating high-performance gas sensor. Great efforts in current research are directed towards exploiting various graphene-based gas sensors, but the core of gas sensing study is how to enhance the gas sensing performance. Herein, we propose a perspective that focuses on the strategies for sensing performance enhancement of graphene-based gas sensors. Several strategies are reviewed such as the modification of graphene with organic molecules, functionalization by metal oxide or noble metals, and nanostructural engineering. Particular emphasis is also provided to clarify the mechanism for the gas sensing enhancement. Further, the sensor device design is also concerned for the significant effect on reaching full potential of the gas sensing materials and realizing multifunctional integration. Finally, the opportunities and challenges for the development of gas sensors are pointed out.

Keywords: Chemical functionalization; Graphene gas sensors; Nanostructural engineering; Sensing mechanism.