Electrochemoresistance Sensor: A Borophene-Based Sensor with Simultaneous Electrochemical and Chemoresistance Sensing Capability

There are two standard methods for gas detection that have been developed in recent years. Utilizing metal oxide semiconductors for the chemisorption of gas and monitoring the conductivity change are among the most widely used approaches for gas sensing. Another alternative method is an electrochemical sensing platform. Considering the pros and cons of these two types of gas sensors, it seems that the better approach is to find a way to benefit from both the advantages of the materials and electrochemical technique. Due to their unique properties, two-dimensional (2D) borophene sheets are promising materials for utilizing in the fabrication of the next generation of electronic devices. Utilizing borophene sheets in the fabrication of gas sensors opens a new world of gas sensor design and technology. This work reports fabrication of a borophene-based electrochemoresistance (ECR) sensor benefiting both chemoresistance performance and the advantages of electrochemical sensors. A sensor with a new design is introduced here based on the high electrochemical activity of borophene and its unique electrical properties. Not only the electrical conductivity of borophene but also the electrochemical activity of borophene changes when exposed to gas agents. The use of this exceptional capability of borophene opens up a pathway to develop a new type of gas sensor. The sensitivity of the ECR sensor was compared in this work, and the results show 10 and 4 times more sensitivity for the ECR sensor than the conventional electrochemical and chemoresistance sensors, respectively.