Metal Oxide-Based Sensors for Ecological Monitoring: Progress and Perspectives

Abstract

This paper aims to provide a large coverage of recent developments regarding environmental monitoring using metal oxide-based sensors. Particular attention is given to the detection of gases such as H2, COx, SOx, NOx, and CH4. The developments and analyses of the design of sensors and types of metal oxide sensing materials are emphasized. The sensing mechanisms and peculiarities of metal oxides used in chemoresistive sensors are provided. The main parameters that affect the sensitivity and selectivity of metal oxide sensors are indicated and their significance to the sensor signal is analyzed. Modern data processing algorithms, employed to optimize the measurement process and processing of the sensor signal, are considered. The existing sensor arrays/e-nose systems for environmental monitoring are summarized, and future prospects and challenges encountered with metal oxide-based sensor arrays are highlighted.

Keywords

• metal oxide sensors
• chemoresistive detectors
• environmental monitoring
• sensitivity
• selectivity
• electronic nose