Design & Implementation of VOC's based Gas

Sensors
Abstract—This research introduces a compact chemoresistive Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensor with
dimensions of 1 cm x 1 cm, developed without the use of an embedded microheater. The sensor employs a
novel approach to achieve selective and sensitive VOC detection while maintaining a simplified and
miniaturized design. The research covers the sensor production method, analyzes its performance features, and
considers its application in portable, resource-saving VOC monitoring systems.

Keywords— Volatile Organic Compound, VOC sensor, Chemoresistive VOC sensor

I. INTRODUCTION
Research on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) dates back to the early days of organic chemistry and
atmospheric science, over a century ago. Since many organic molecules have high vapor pressures at
normal temperature, the phrase "volatile organic compounds" has been used to describe them. Along with
this realization has come a better grasp of the possible effects these chemicals may have on human and
environmental health. The Industrial Renaissance was a key turning point in the manufacture and usage
of chemicals, resulting to a large rise in VOC emissions into the world. The increased use of synthetic
products that include plastics, paints, and solvents has resulted in enormous VOC emissions. Industrial
operations that release VOCs as waste products also evolved during this time, substantially increasing the
abundance of VOCs in the environment. In the mid-20th century, ecological research connected specific
VOCs to unfavorable health consequences and the possible health impacts of VOC exposure were
identified. This led to increasing regulatory scrutiny and measures to restrict VOC emissions in many
corporate and consumer sectors. In addition, the influence of VOCs on the ecosystem has also gained
considerable attention. VOC studies has been impacted as well by developments in statistical techniques
that include gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, allowing the detection and quantification of a
broad spectrum of VOCs in environmental samples. Additionally, a great deal of study has been done on
the function of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in atmospheric chemistry and how they contribute to
the production of secondary organic aerosols and photochemical smog. Because of this, it is now known
that intricate relationships between sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are
crucial to the development of air pollutants that have a major negative influence on both people and the
environment.
VOC-based gas sensors are capable of detecting and quantifying the amount of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) present in the atmosphere [1]. VOCs are a family of organic molecules that cause
indoor and outdoor air pollution because they readily evaporate into the air at room temperature.
Numerous things, including as consumer products, construction materials, automobile emissions, and
industrial activities, release them into the atmosphere [2]. VOC gas sensors are primarily used to monitor
air quality in various situations and to provide information about the presence and concentrations of these
potentially dangerous chemicals in real-time or almost real-time [3]. Innovative techniques that take use
of the special interactions that exist between VOC molecules and sensitive materials are needed to create
VOC sensors [4]. Different kinds of sensors function in a multitude of ways, including as ionization,
variations in electrical conductivity, and changes in material characteristics after VOC exposure [5].
The development of VOC study throughout history emphasizes the complexity of these
substances and the need for a thorough understanding of their origins, behaviors, and effects. By situating
VOC research within a larger historical and scientific framework and investigating a range of VOC-
related topics, such as their historical context, origins, health affects, environmental effects, and possible
mitigating factors, this research study seeks to expand on this historical basis. a deeper understanding of
the potential and difficulties related to the management of these complex and widely distributed
substances.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
Detection of hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by metal oxide nanostructures-based gas
sensors: A review, a review paper published in 2016, [6] addresses nanostructure-based gas sensors in
particular, which have gained a lot of attention lately because of their special qualities and potential for
VOC detection. The authors examine the various metal oxide-based nanostructures, including titanium
dioxide (TiO2), tin dioxide (SnO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO), that are used in gas sensors as well as the
associated detection methods.
The production and characterisation of several metal oxide-based nanostructures for gas detection are
covered in this work. It does not, however, address the sensitivity, selectivity, reaction time, stability, or
other aspects of these sensors' performance. To assess the efficacy of gas sensors, a thorough examination
of these performances is required.
Furthermore, Yuyang Bao, Pengcheng Xu, Shengran Cai, Haitao Yu, and Xinxin Li published a study in
2018 titled "Detection of volatile-organic-compounds (VOCs) in solution employing An agas/liquid-
separated sensing approach for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in solution using
resonant cantilever gas sensors is provided in the publication "Detection of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) in solution using resonant cantilever gas sensors". It is built on a polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)
foam sheet that is both waterproof and breathable [7].
This sensitive microsystem has achieved remarkable sensitivity and selectivity in the detection of VOCs,
as indicated briefly in the text. Specific performance indications like as detection limits, reaction times,
and calibration curves, on the other hand, are not provided. A more detailed analysis of the sensor's
performance would strengthen the research findings.
Jingxuan Wang, Qu Zhou, Shudi Peng, Lingna Xu, and Wen Zeng's mini review paper titled "Volatile
Organic Compounds Gas Sensors Based on Molybdenum Oxides: A Mini Review" concentrated on
recent progress in synthetic approaches, morphological regulation, functional enhancements, and the gas-
sensing applications, encompassing the properties and mechanisms of MoO3 materials in detecting
VOCs. [8].
The studies of morphologically-controlled synthesis proved that MoO3 with a high specific surface area
possesses superior gas-sensing performances and provided reference experience for further MoO3 gas-
sensing material design. The text briefly mentions the gas-sensing performances of the MoO3 materials
with different morphologies, such as selectivity, response-recovery characteristics, and enhanced
detection performances.
Nevertheless, no quantitative information or comparative evaluation of the efficacy of gases in various
types of detection is offered. The study's conclusions would be strengthened by a more thorough
examination and discussion of gas detection performance, including sensitivity, selectivity, reaction time,
and stability.
The 2014 paper by Staline Johnson and Dr. T. Shanmuganantham presents the design and fabrication
process of the SAW-based MEMS gas sensor specifically tailored for VOC detection. It discusses the
selection of appropriate materials, the layout of the sensor, and the integration of SAW devices.
While the paper focuses on the design and analysis of the SAW-based MEMS gas sensor, it may not
provide sufficient validation of its performance in real-world applications. Further research could involve
testing the sensor in different environmental conditions and comparing its performance with established
standards or reference methods [9].
The paper (Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Gas Sensors for VOC Detection at Room Temperature)
explores layered double hydroxides were successfully synthesized via a coprecipitation method, and gas
sensors were fabricated through cleanroom technologies and drop casting employing LDHs as the sensing
element and demonstrating a wide range of potentialities to be explored.
They effectively operate at room temperature, eliminating the necessity for a heating element.
This presents a distinct advantage in terms of power consumption. The abstract mentions that while LDHs
have been successfully used for detecting NOx, there is limited research on their ability to detect VOCs.
This indicates a gap in knowledge regarding the sensing capabilities of LDHs specifically for VOCs.
Further investigation and characterization of LDHs for VOC detection would be valuable.
The 2022 published, Novel combined waveform temperature, modulating the NiO-In2O3 gas sensor's
technique to measure and identify VOC gases, explores another novel approach [10]. Further a study on
the comparison of the response curves under different heating waveforms concluded that a combined
waveform of rectangular and triangular heating modulation was the most effective in enhancing the
selectivity of the gas sensor. The integration of these waveforms led to response curves exhibiting
distinctive peaks and varying response amplitudes corresponding to different gas types and
concentrations.
The study briefly mentions the fabrication and characterization of the In2O3 and NiO-In2O3 gas
sensors. However, it does not provide detailed information on the specific properties and characteristics
of these sensors, such as surface area, morphology, or crystalline structure. Thus, a more comprehensive
characterization of the gas sensors would help in understanding their performance and potential
limitations.

III. DESIGN SELECTION

For this research paper, we finally resorted to go with a MOS sensor design instead of PID or NDI
sensors. It is so because MOS sensors are cost-effective and suitable for general VOC detection.
PID sensors offer high sensitivity but may require more frequent calibration. NDIR sensors provide high
selectivity and accuracy but may be more expensive and have a slower response time. Also, when
microheaters are embedded in IDTs, the scenario might seem feasible in simulation. However, fabrication
of such structure is not possible in actual circumstances. That is why we have chosen MOS
Chemoresistive Sensor without embedded microheater due to its feasibility, capability, and cost-
effectiveness. Also, as our aim is to fabricate the sensor, this design would be more suitable. The design
procedure is as follows:
i. Firstly, there would be a silicon substrate of dimension around 1 cm x 1 cm. The crystal structure
of silicon selected for the substrate would be PolySi (Polycrystalline Silicon).