Semiconducting MOFs on ultraviolet laser-induced graphene with a hierarchical pore architecture for NO2 monitoring

Abstract

Due to rapid urbanization worldwide, monitoring the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which causes cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, has attracted considerable attention. Developing real-time sensors to detect parts-per-billion (ppb)-level NO2 remains challenging due to limited sensitivity, response, and recovery characteristics. Herein, we report a hybrid structure of Cu3HHTP2, 2D semiconducting metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and laser-induced graphene (LIG) for high-performance NO2 sensing. The unique hierarchical pore architecture of LIG@Cu3HHTP2 promotes mass transport of gas molecules and takes full advantage of the large surface area and porosity of MOFs, enabling highly rapid and sensitive responses to NO2. Consequently, LIG@Cu3HHTP2 shows one of the fastest responses and lowest limit of detection at room temperature compared with state-of-the-art NO2 sensors. Additionally, by employing LIG as a growth platform, flexibility and patterning strategies are achieved, which are the main challenges for MOF-based electronic devices. These results provide key insight into applying MOFtronics as high-performance healthcare devices.