Development of an NO₂ Gas Sensor Based on Laser-Induced Graphene Operating at Room Temperature

A novel, in situ, low-cost and facile method has been developed to fabricate flexible NO₂ sensors capable of operating at ambient temperature, addressing the urgent need for monitoring this toxic gas. This technique involves the synthesis of highly porous structures, as well as the specific development of laser-induced graphene (LIG) and its heterostructures with SnO₂, all through laser scribing. The morphology, phases, and compositions of the sensors were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The effects of SnO₂ addition on structural and sensor properties were investigated. Gas-sensing measurements were conducted at room temperature with NO₂ concentrations ranging from 50 to 10 ppm. LIG and LIG/SnO₂ sensors exhibited distinct trends in response to NO₂, and the gas-sensing mechanism was elucidated. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing LIG and LIG/SnO₂ heterostructures in gas-sensing applications at ambient temperatures, underscoring their broad potential across diverse fields.