Nanomaterial Based Gas Sensors for Environmental Air Pollutant Detection

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid industrialization around the world and the poor monitoring of pollutants in the air is obviously putting ecosystems and human life at greater risk than ever before. Air pollutants, mostly produced from industrial activities, automobiles, and other combustion sources, are being directly emitted into the atmosphere, thereby altering the quality and safety of environmental air and causing a significant threat to the wellbeing and lifestyles of humans. Despite many countries and local authorities introducing certain regulations and mechanisms to combat and control air pollutants, the lack of concerted global efforts and smart technologies to continuously measure, analyze and monitor pollutants is still a pressing issue. Given to their excellent selectivity, sensitivity, and miniaturization, gas sensors based on functional nanomaterials present an alternative nanotechnolgy to detect air pollutants and to monitor the safety and quality of environmental air. Thus, gas sensors based on nanostructured materials, polymers, nanocomposites, and thin films demonstrate excellent features for the detection and determination of both primary and secondary air pollutants. Hence, in light of this pressing issue, this Topic aims at convering the latest nanomaterial-based gas sensors and mechanisms for the detection and determination of air pollutants and the way forward to bring such technologies to a greater usage. We look forward to and welcome your participation in this Topic.

Dr. Tesfalem Welearegay
Dr. Radu Ionescu
Topic Editors