Smart gas sensors based on 2D materials

Smart, edge sensors are a cornerstone of Industry 4.0, enabling the seamless integration of physical and digital systems. The key aspects of their application include data collection and monitoring (real-time data on parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, specific gas concentration in the environment etc.), predictive maintenance, quality control and most importantly safety and compliance, as they enhance workplace safety by detecting hazardous conditions. These sensors are integral to creating smart factories that are more efficient, flexible, and responsive to changing demands.

For an accurate spatial control of gas emissions, large number of ubiquitous sensing systems need to be installed and connected, benefitting from Internet of Things (IoT). These devices need to be sensitive, selective, stable, fast in response, highly integrable into miniaturized platforms for portability and, especially, low power consuming. This project aims at addressing these needs by developing selective solid-state gas sensors for their incorporation into an electronic nose for the monitoring of gas emission, including greenhouse gases (humidity, CO2 and methane), ammonia and organic solvent vapours, where the basic materials for the development of these devices are two-dimensional materials properly functionalized for improved selectivity.

We will address the challenges of the currently used sensors on various levels, including material, design and characterization to achieve stable, reliable and cost-effective devices. At the same time, we will address other crucial issues such as minimizing energy consumption, thermal management of the devices and the possibility of self-powering using thermoelectric effects. Depending on the detection threshold for each of the proposed gases our sensors can find more specific applications, such as breath sensors for early diagnosis, smart cities or smart textiles, agriculture, environment, to name a few.

The candidate must have a strong background in materials science and solid-state physics, ideally with knowledge of nanomaterials and electrical measurements. Experience or strong interest in materials characterization, including structural and electrical, together with machine learning and programming skills is highly valued. Familiarity with clean-room fabrication, electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy or related methods will be considered an advantage. Proficiency in instrumentation, data analysis, basic modelling and scientific communication is required to design experiments, interpret results and disseminate findings. Curiosity, adaptability, initiative and problem-solving skills are essential. The project demands independent learning and effective collaboration in a multidisciplinary environment where new methods must be developed to advance energy-efficient technologies.

GTNaM investigates thermal, electrical, and sensing properties of materials across thin films, nanowires, 2D systems, and other nanostructures, with a strong focus on sustainability.

We design, synthesize, and characterize advanced materials with tailored functionalities, exploiting structural control at the atomic and nanoscale level to engineer enhanced sensing, thermal and electronic performance. A central theme is understanding and exploiting nanomaterials for new functionalities, from efficient on-chip cooling to energy harvesting and sensing.

We are combining novel materials with unique detection schemes (optical, electrical) to provide smart systems able to detect greenhouse gases and noxious fumes, with possible applications in smart cities, industry 4.0 and health monitoring. Our research spans organic and inorganic systems, including semiconductors, 2D and amorphous materials, using both custom-built instrumentation and state-of-the-art facilities. Sustainability and energy efficiency guide our research, bridging fundamental physics with applied technologies for next-generation information processing.