Exploring Novel Approaches: Surface Functionalization of Metal Organic Semiconductor as Sensing Material for Volatile Organic Compounds Detection

Abstract

Detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is imperative in healthcare, industrial safety, and environmental monitoring due to their potential harm to human health and the environment. Addressing the challenges in VOC detection, research has focused on creating sensors with rapid response and high selectivity, notably through surface functionalization of metal organic semiconductors. Metal organic semiconductors offer advantages over standard metal oxide semiconductors (MOS), demonstrating superior sensitivity and selectivity even at low temperatures and concentrations. Notably, conductive particle-polymer hybrids and conjugated polymers as metal organic semiconductors show promise for VOCs detection. This review comprehensively explores surface functionalization in metal organic semiconductors, covering principles, mechanisms governing gas sensing behavior and the pivotal role of surface functionalization in enhancing selectivity and performance. Additionally, various surface functionalization options, such as nanoparticles, nanostructures, and organic ligands, are discussed.