Harnessing Carbon Nanomaterials for Next-Generation Environmental Sensing

Abstract

In environmental monitoring, the need for advanced sensing technologies to detect and quantify pollutants is growing. Carbon nanomaterials are transformative tools due to their high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and chemical robustness. This chapter explores their use in next-generation environmental sensing applications such as CNTs detecting gases, heavy metals, and organic compounds, and graphene achieving ultra-sensitive detection with fast response times for real-time monitoring. Recent breakthroughs in sensor design and fabrication are discussed, including functionalization techniques and novel architectures that enhance performance. Integrating these sensors into scalable networks facilitates real-time environmental monitoring. In conclusion, leveraging carbon nanomaterials' unique properties and advancing sensor technologies holds immense potential for revolutionizing environmental monitoring. Continued interdisciplinary research is essential to fully realize their potential.