Exploring the Advancements in Sensor Materials and Technologies: A 21st Century Perspective on Materials Science & Engineering

Abstract

This research aims at reviewing the most recent developments in the content with specific emphasis on the materials used in the sensors and the methods of creating them in order to increase the performance of the sensors while overcoming the challenges of increased costs of manufacturing. A comparison of the various sensor materials such as graphene, nanowires, and piezoelectric materials as regards their sensitivity, durability, response time and cost implications is also presented in the study. Furthermore, it discusses the state-of-art fabrication technologies including 3D printing, MEMS/NEMS, and inkjet printing and their impact on sensors characteristics and fabrication yield. Accordingly, it can be seen that the nanowires have the highest sensitivity and the shortest response time, on the other hand, the graphene has average sensitivity and response time but the sensor has high durability and cost efficiency. Currently, there is a high performance cost trade-off between micro / nano electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) forms such as photolithography and the ink jet and three dimensional printing techniques such as those used in micro fabrication that are comparatively cheaper and more versatile. The study calls for more future research on hybrid material and ways to improve fabrication techniques to further their various uses in the fields such as in environmental sensing, manufacturing automation and many more.