Chapter 17 - Electrochemical sensors for monitoring toxic gases from the environmental pollutants

Abstract

Industries, automobiles, and motor vehicles release a number of toxic gases. Toxic gases, including nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxides, hydrogen sulfide, and other sulfur-containing gases, negatively impact human health and the environment. Especially hydrogen sulfide is a highly poisonous gas that occurs in many industrial processes, including petrochemical and biotechnological processing. The reduction of nitrogen monoxide (NO), another significant hazardous gas molecule, has garnered much interest and is produced by human activity with the consumption of fossil fuels. The rapid and accurate determination of toxic gases is essential in determining the pollution level and taking precautions accordingly. Therefore the expected features of the sensor to be used in gas analysis are being rapid, sensitive, and stable in working conditions. The methods used in the determination of toxic gases, chosen by evaluating the advantages and suitability of the methods, are sensors such as electrochemical, optical, colorimetric, and acoustic. Significant research has recently been put into developing electrochemical sensors that detect harmful gases. This chapter evaluates and summarizes the most recent developments in electrochemical sensors for dangerous gas monitoring. The extensively researched sensing materials throughout the previous few decades were used to classify the most recent advancements in detecting these hazardous gases. The significant sensing performance parameters, such as sensitivity and recovery at specific gas concentrations and temperatures, have been compiled and quantified to provide a detailed performance comparison.