Strategies for Improving the Sensing Performance of Semiconductor Gas Sensors for High-Performance Formaldehyde Detection: A Review

Formaldehyde is a poisonous and harmful gas, which is ubiquitous in our daily life. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde harms human body functions; therefore, it is urgent to fabricate sensors for the real-time monitoring of formaldehyde concentrations. Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors is favored by researchers as a result of their low cost, simple operation and portability. In this paper, the mechanism of formaldehyde detection by gas sensors is introduced, and then the ways of ameliorating the response of gas sensors for formaldehyde detection in recent years are summarized. These methods include the control of the microstructure and morphology of sensing materials, the doping modification of matrix materials, the development of new semiconductor sensing materials, the outfield control strategy and the construction of the filter membrane. These five methods will provide a good prerequisite for the preparation of better performing formaldehyde gas sensors.