In this article, what has been accomplished?
This work presents a ZnO/W18O49 heterostructure gas sensor designed to detect extremely low concentrations of NO₂, one of the most harmful urban air pollutants. By growing W18O49 nanorods directly on ZnO microdisks, the researchers created a structure with more oxygen vacancies and faster electron transfer, enabling the sensor to respond quickly and accurately even at room temperature, reaching detection levels as low as 2 ppb, which is far below standard air safety limits. This performance marks a clear improvement over pure ZnO sensors, which typically require high temperatures and show weaker responses.
With this paper, how can we close the gaps?
Author's words...
The project was a collaboration between Iranian and Chinese research institutions under the scientific leadership of Prof. Ramin Yousefi, combining experimental fabrication with DFT computational analysis to clarify how the heterostructure enhances gas adsorption. Importantly, a portion of this research was supported by the BMF Science Group, reflecting BMF’s mission to promote advanced, low-cost environmental monitoring technologies that can transition from laboratory innovation to real-world air quality solutions. This paper highlights how international collaboration and directed funding can help address global public health and environmental challenges.
