Review on Recent Advances in Conducting Polymer/Metal‐Oxide Nanocomposite Chemiresistors for Environmental Gas Monitoring
Katekani Shingange, Sivuyisiwe Mapukata, Teboho Mokhena, Thandi Patricia Gumede, David Rogers, Martin NtwaeaborwaABSTRACT
Innovation in environmental monitoring is at an all‐time high due to the increased need to protect public health, preserve fragile ecosystems, enforce regulatory compliance, and mitigate environmental risks. The development of gas sensors, particularly chemiresistive gas sensors, which detect gases based on changes in electrical resistance has particularly gained attention due to their exceptional sensitivity and compact size. The performance of these sensors is greatly influenced by the fundamental properties of materials chosen to act as the sensing layer. The integration of inorganic materials with conducting polymers has become more popular in improving the sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and response kinetics of these sensors. Moreover, these composites address the impact of high operating temperature and humidity. This review focuses on the recent developments in the creation of conducting polymer composites for gas‐sensing applications, particularly composites comprising conducting polymers and metal oxides. These composite materials ensure the accurate detection of reducing or oxidizing gases in a variety of environments and can potentially be used in monitoring hazardous gaseous substances in the environment.