MICRO-POROSITY, HETEROSTRUCTURES, AND PRECISION DEPOSITION IN LOW-MOISTURE SENSING

Ronak Ali; Hassan Ali Soomro; Ali Raza Chachar; Khurram Iqbal; Abdul Qadir Rahimoon; Madad Ali Shah

doi:10.71146/kjmr881

Authors

Ronak Ali The Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology and Skill Development, Khairpur Mirs, Sindh, Pakistan. Author
Hassan Ali Soomro The Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology and Skill Development, Khairpur Mirs, Sindh, Pakistan. Author
Ali Raza Chachar The Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology and Skill Development, Khairpur Mirs, Sindh, Pakistan. Author
Khurram Iqbal Hamdard University, Sindh, Karachi, Pakistan. Author
Abdul Qadir Rahimoon Sukkur IBA University, Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan. Author
Madad Ali Shah Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Shaheed Benazir Abad, Sindh, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71146/kjmr881

Keywords:

Low Moisture Sensing, Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Interdigitated Electrodes (IDEs), Thin Film Deposition, 2D heterostructures

Abstract

This article summarizes the structural design, manufacturing technologies and the technological landscape of high performance sensing materials for low moisture surroundings (RH). At levels of humidity that are very low, the usual network of water molecules disappears, and special interfaces have to be developed which are able to detect minute traces of water vapour. Three major classes of materials are investigated: nanostructured metal oxides (MOxs) that have oxygen vacancies as Lewis acid sites; highly crystalline, microporous Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with tunable pores for selective gas capture; and 2D materials or heterostructures (such as graphene oxide, MXenes) with high surface to volume ratios and sensitive electronic junctions. While accurate fabrication is essential to translating these materials into useful industrial sensors. The paper explains the substrate preparation that involves Interdigitated Electrodes (IDEs) with their geometric optimization and its effect on the electric field and signal to noise ratio. In addition, various solution deposition methods are investigated, from cost-effective solution processing (spin coating, drop casting) to high-precision direct writing (inkjet and 3D printing), and advanced atomically precise and high uniformity solution process (CVD and ALD) are evaluated. Lastly, a comprehensive performance matrix brings together a variety of sensor configurations and fabrication routes and various operational metrics.

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