Nanocomposites in detection of volatile organic compounds

Volatile compounds cause health problems such as cancer and asthma in humans and affect plant growth. Hence, an accurate and sensitive method is required to detect volatile compounds in the environment. The available detection methods like chromatography and mass spectroscopy for volatile compounds do not combine high sensitivity and low cost. In this context, the application of nanocomposites in optical, electroanalytical, microgravimetric, and acoustic wave sensors for detecting volatile compounds are preferred sensing methods due to their noteworthy features, including great sensitivity and low detection limit. In this book chapter, nanocomposites comprising metal oxides and other compounds, metals, polymers, and carbon-based materials used as sensing probes in optical, electroanalytical, and microgravimetric sensing devices are discussed. The detection pathways of volatile compounds by nanocomposites-based sensing probes are highlighted. The reasons for outstanding performance of nanocomposites as sensor material are also summarized. The nanocomposite-based sensors for some important common volatile compounds including acetone, ethanol, methanol, 2-propanol, formaldehyde, benzaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and triethylamine are discussed.