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Titanium nitride sensor for selective NO2 detection

Author

Listed:
  • Xuefei Zhao

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Zhihang Xu

    (Hung Hom)

  • Zhaorui Zhang

    (Dalian University of Technology
    Dalian University of Technology)

  • Jiahao Liu

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Xiaohui Yan

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Ye Zhu

    (Hung Hom)

  • J. Paul Attfield

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Minghui Yang

    (Dalian University of Technology)

Abstract

Efficient detection methods are needed to monitor nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a major NOx pollutant from fossil fuel combustion that poses significant threats to both ecology and human health. Current NO2 detection technologies face limitations in stability and selectivity. Here, we present a transition metal nitride sensor that exhibits exceptional selectivity for NO2, demonstrating a sensitivity 30 times greater than that of the strongest interfering gas, NO. The sensor maintains stability over 6 months and does not utilize platinum or other precious metals. This notable performance has been achieved through preparation of highly active titanium nitride (TiNx) nanoparticles with exceptionally large surface area and a high concentration of nitrogen vacancies. By contrast, a commercial sample of TiN shows no gas sensing activity. Such devices are potentially scalable for everyday NO2 detection and demonstrate that robust high-performance gas sensors based on inexpensive metal nitrides without precious metals are leading candidates for environmental monitoring technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuefei Zhao & Zhihang Xu & Zhaorui Zhang & Jiahao Liu & Xiaohui Yan & Ye Zhu & J. Paul Attfield & Minghui Yang, 2025. "Titanium nitride sensor for selective NO2 detection," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-55534-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55534-x
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