Electrospun Nanostructures for High Performance Chemiresistive and Optical Sensors

Abstract

Chemical sensors have been essential components in recent years due to the gathering attention in environmental monitoring and healthcare. In this review, the authors comprehensively highlight recent progresses on the 1D chemiresistive-type sensors based on semiconductor metal oxides (SMOs) and optical-type sensors, which are prepared by electrospinning technique. In the part of chemiresistive-type sensors, diverse synthesis techniques for 1D SMO nanofibrous structure are presented with controlled microstructure and surface morphology. In addition, unique functionalization routes of emerging nanocatalysts encapsulated by bio-inspired templates are described for the next generation catalyst on the 1D SMO nanofibers (NFs). For the optical-type sensors, new classes of 1D NFs employing specific absorption and emission properties are introduced. In particular, diverse 1D NF-based colorimetric and fluorescence sensors as well as Raman and surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensors are covered in the view point of material preparation and optical sensing properties. Finally, the authors prospect future research directions to overcome current limitations and challenges to achieve high performance chemical sensors.

Sensors from Electrospun Nanostructures

“…Sensors, which convert energy to detect concentration changes of a specific substance and communicate the information in the form of an electrical or optical signal [41], have gained special importance in recent decades, due to their numerous applications in areas such as monitoring environmental factors, health and wellbeing or detection of dangerous vapours [42].…”

“…Chemiresistive sensors, which work by measuring resistance variation when in contact with the substance to be detected, have a high miniaturisation potential, making them applicable to portable devices. Semiconductive polymers, metal oxides, metals and conjugated compounds are used to obtain such sensors [42,45].…”

“…Optical sensors work by altering the colour or intensity of their fluorescence by the analyte [42]. These sensors, which are usually based on a technology that allows miniaturisation, low cost and in-situ usage, show high sensitivity and selective response towards various analytes [67].…”

Extraction of nanofibers from polymer blends: A brief review

“…It is continued by pioneers to the present time . Now, at this time, many procedures associated with various materials are described in literature for specific applications …”

Colorimetric Nanofibers as Optical Sensors

“…These properties are interesting for many application areas and particularly sensors, as a large specific surface area results in fast response times and ultra‐sensitivity . Compared to bulk materials, films and coatings, nanofibers are reported to enhance the sensitivity and responsivity of sensors . They are widely applicable as they can be produced on a very small scale, e.g., porous coatings, but also as large scale, i.e., several square meters, light‐weight stand alone membranes.…”