Recent advances in gas and environmental sensing: From micro/nano to the era of self-powered and artificial intelligent (AI)-enabled device

Gas and environmental parameters monitoring is a hot research topic along with the technology development trends of the Internet of Things and smart systems (aiming for an early and accurate detection). To introduce next-generation gas sensors, this review paper reported gas electronics from micro/nano to the era of a self-powered and artificially intelligent system. To figure out the development trends of gas sensing, four key issues needed to be noted including micro/nanostructures, multi-functional purpose, assisted self-powered/zero power, and the machine learning-enhanced methodology. To increase sensitivity/early detection and to produce chip-level units, various micro/nanostructures manufacturing technologies were introduced to assist the sensitivity of gas sensors. Flexible 2-D materials and various mechanisms were reported to aim for the detection of extra-low concentrations and mechanically robustness for multi-functional applications. With the aid of the triboelectric/piezoelectric mechanism, the gas devices were widely adopted in environmentally friendly electronics. Moreover, facing the developmental trends in machine learning and sustainable system, smart gas detection with robustness and early/low concentration for medical and healthcare applications was the next engine trend. This review paper not only concluded the development trends of the next-generation gas sensor but also point out the era of the self-powered and artificially intelligent system in gas monitoring.

Automated summary

Gas and environmental parameters monitoring is a hot research topic in the field of the Internet of Things and smart systems. This review paper discusses the development trends of next-generation gas sensors, including micro/nanostructures, multi-functional purpose, assisted self-powered/zero power, and machine learning-enhanced methodology. Various manufacturing technologies and mechanisms are introduced to improve the sensitivity and multi-functional applications of gas sensors. The paper also highlights the importance of smart gas detection for medical and healthcare applications.