Development of terahertz metamaterial gas sensor utilizing novel composite membrane ZnO/V-MOF for nitrogen dioxide detection

Recently, the combination of gas sensors and metamaterials has emerged as a popular research area. However, traditional gas sensors typically rely on electrochemical methods for detection, requiring operation in high-temperature environments and presenting potential explosion risks. To address these challenges, this study utilizes terahertz low-energy photons with high transmission and broad bandwidth as a detection source, enabling devices to operate under normal conditions at room temperature. This approach aims to enable comprehensive material information retrieval while preventing combustion or explosions during interaction with the tested substance. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been widely utilized in gas sensors, with the technology reaching a certain level of advancement. Additionally, our focus lies on the study of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials, which offer significant advantages in gas sensing applications. Key characteristics of MOFs include a large surface area, high porosity, and unique surface properties. These materials can be fabricated using various metals to create corresponding gas sensing films, and their properties can be further tailored through modification with different polar molecules and the introduction of other catalysts. While there is extensive research on MOFs based on vanadium as a framework, there is limited literature on their gas sensing applications, underscoring their research value. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a volatile, pungent, odorous, and toxic gas that poses a fatal threat to both humans and the environment. Therefore, gas sensing technology for NO2 is of utmost importance. In this regard, our research is dedicated to the development of optical gas sensors using novel composite materials. Nanostructures of ZnO and V-MOF are prepared respectively, and these composite materials are integrated with metamaterials for the detection of NO2 gas.