Gas Sensors
1. What are Gas Sensors?
Gas sensors achieve qualitative and quantitative analysis of specific gases by detecting changes in electrical signals (such as resistance, capacitance, or current) generated by the interaction between the target gas and a sensitive material. Key types include:
Semiconductor Sensors: Utilize the gas adsorption properties of metal oxides (such as SnO₂) and are suitable for combustible gas detection.
Electrochemical Sensors: Generate current through redox reactions of gases at electrodes, offering high accuracy and low power consumption.
Infrared Sensors: Utilize the absorption of infrared light of specific wavelengths by gas molecules, offering strong interference immunity.
Catalytic Combustion Sensors: Suitable for detecting combustible gases such as methane and offering inherent safety.
2. What are the Core Application Scenarios of Gas Sensors?
Industrial Safety: Monitoring toxic gases such as H₂S and CO in the petrochemical industry.
Environmental Monitoring: Monitoring PM2.5, VOCs, and greenhouse gas concentrations.
Smart Home: Integrated into fresh air systems for real-time monitoring of formaldehyde and CO₂.
Healthcare: Breath analysis for disease diagnosis (e.g., acetone for diabetes).
Automotive: In-vehicle air quality systems and exhaust emissions monitoring.
3. Technology Development Trends of Gas Sensors
Miniaturization: MEMS technology is driving sensor sizes beyond 1mm³.
Intelligence: Integrated AI algorithms enable self-calibration and multi-gas recognition.
Low Power Consumption: NB-IoT technology enables sensor battery life of over 5 years.
New Materials: Graphene and MOFs improve sensitivity and selectivity.
4. Selection Recommendations for Gas Sensors
Comprehensive considerations include detection range (ppm-100%), response time (<10s), operating temperature (-40°C to 85°C), and cross-sensitivity. Explosion-proof designs are recommended for industrial applications, while consumer electronics prioritize miniaturization and low cost.