Development of Ultra-Fast Surface Acoustic Wave-Based NO<sub>2</sub> Sensor Incorporating a Monolayered Graphene: MoS<sub>2</sub> Sensing Material and a Microheater for Spacecraft Applications

A surface acoustic wave-based NO<sub>2</sub> sensor and its interface electronics, utilizing monolayered two-dimensional sensing materials, were developed for internal pollution monitoring in spacecraft. The sensor system consists of a two-port SAW delay line with monolayered graphene/Mo...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Faisal Nawaz, Hyunho Lee, Wen Wang, Keekeun Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/7/4050
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Summary:A surface acoustic wave-based NO<sub>2</sub> sensor and its interface electronics, utilizing monolayered two-dimensional sensing materials, were developed for internal pollution monitoring in spacecraft. The sensor system consists of a two-port SAW delay line with monolayered graphene/MoS<sub>2</sub> flakes in the cavity region between two interdigital transducers, along with the interface electronics. A microheater was integrated adjacent to the sensor to maintain a stable temperature field on the sensor surface, thereby enhancing sensitivity, response/recovery times, and selectivity. The monolayered graphene/MoS<sub>2</sub> sensing material, with its high surface-to-volume ratio, excellent mobility, and moderate bonding force with target molecules, enables the rapid response and recovery times of less than 2.5 and 8 s, respectively—among the fastest reported in SAW gas sensor technology. The developed sensor combines the conductivity changes, the mass loading effect, and a synergistic effect that promotes carrier separation caused by a built-in potential barrier between the two monolayers, providing exceptionally high sensitivity of 578 Hz/ppm. Additionally, the sensor’s interface electronics were engineered to mitigate the effects of external factors, such as temperature and humidity, ensuring a stable and reliable performance under varying harsh conditions.
ISSN:2076-3417