A review on all-optical fiber-based VOC sensors: Heading towards the development of promising technology

Abstract

The direct exposure of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is widely related to several adverse health effects. Therefore, an accurate amount of its usage is necessary required depending on the threshold limit. There have been a variety of sensors developed to measure an amount of VOC for safety use. Optical fiber-based VOC sensors offer huge advancements in technologies to overcome several limitations from the convectional VOC sensors that appeared over the past decade. Real-time monitoring and detection of VOCs are important to maintain a safe and healthy domestic/industrial environment. The optical fibers are highly-sensitive and widely applied to several ranges of parameters including gas sensing, and have also been used to monitor VOCs at the sub-ppm range. Recognizing the major developments in the field of the optical fiber, this article aims to review the recent progress in VOC monitoring, resulting in a wide range of sensing configurations are being discussed. Additionally, the article highlights the advantages, limitations, and future possibilities in this area.