Design and analysis of organic thin film gas sensor based on bottom gate elevated electrode structure

Abstract

Environmental pollution especially the air pollution has proved to be a threat to all lifeforms on earth. Due to various anthropogenic activities, toxic and ozone depleting gases are released in our environment (like ammonia, Sulphur di oxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen di oxide etc.). To check the prevalence of such gases in the atmosphere we require sensors that could accurately detect their presence in our surroundings. For the detection of these gases various type of sensors like metal oxide-based gas sensor, optical gas sensor, electro-chemical gas sensor etc. are used. Such gas sensors are largely based on inorganic electronics technology that makes them rigid, expensive, and exclusive in nature. With advent of organic electronics such sensors have become incompatible with modern electronic devices developed with organic materials like smart watches, smart fabrics etc. Also, these sensors are stationary in nature and are operational only in a fixed position. Therefore, a new organic thin film gas sensor (OTFGS) is proposed in this article that could operate at low power and could readily be integrated with the modern personal electronic gadgets like smartphones and smart watches. This will provide the mobility to the sensor and toxic gases could be detected in real time at multiple locations rather than at specific points where stationary gas sensors are installed.