Novel graphene-based sensor system rapidly detects toxic gas
Researchers at the University of Virginia, Ajou University and Soongsil University have developed an AI-powered system that mimics the human sense of smell to detect and track toxic gases in real time. Using advanced artificial neural networks combined with a network of sensors, the system quickly identifies the source of harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) that poses severe respiratory health risks.
Schematic of biological and artificial olfactory receptor. Biological receptors interact with odor molecules through specific binding, whereas artificial receptors use catalytic dissociation by Pd nano-islands for selective gas molecule adsorption on graphene surfaces. Image credit: Science Advances
The artificial olfactory receptor features nano-islands of metal-based catalysts that cover a graphene surface on the heterostructure of an AlGaN/GaN two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) channel. Catalytically dissociated NO2 molecules bind to graphene, thereby modulating the conductivity of the 2DEG channel and allowing the system to detect gas leaks with extreme sensitivity.