Abstract
The application of semiconductor metal oxides in chemiresistive methane gas sensors has seen significant progress in recent years, driven by their promising sensitivity, miniaturization potential, and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent developments and future perspectives in this field. The main findings highlight the advancements in material science, sensor fabrication techniques, and integration methods that have led to enhanced methane-sensing capabilities. Notably, the incorporation of noble metal dopants, nanostructuring, and hybrid materials has significantly improved sensitivity and selectivity. Furthermore, innovative sensor fabrication techniques, such as thin-film deposition and screen printing, have enabled cost-effective and scalable production. The challenges and limitations facing metal oxide-based methane sensors were identified, including issues with sensitivity, selectivity, operating temperature, long-term stability, and response times. To address these challenges, advanced material science techniques were explored, leading to novel metal oxide materials with unique properties. Design improvements, such as integrated heating elements for precise temperature control, were investigated to enhance sensor stability. Additionally, data processing algorithms and machine learning methods were employed to improve selectivity and mitigate baseline drift. The recent developments in semiconductor metal oxide-based chemiresistive methane gas sensors show promising potential for practical applications. The improvements in sensitivity, selectivity, and stability achieved through material innovations and design modifications pave the way for real-world deployment. The integration of machine learning and data processing techniques further enhances the reliability and accuracy of methane detection. However, challenges remain, and future research should focus on overcoming the limitations to fully unlock the capabilities of these sensors. Green manufacturing practices should also be explored to align with increasing environmental consciousness. Overall, the advances in this field open up new opportunities for efficient methane monitoring, leak prevention, and environmental protection.