Printable sensors for Nitrogen dioxide and Ammonia sensing at room temperature

Several studies have found a link between poor air quality and incidences of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases [1] – [6] . A World Health Organisation (WHO) report put the number of deaths caused by household air pollution at 4.3 million in 2012 [7] . Attempts at reducing poor air quality-related mortality have seen specification of safe human exposure limits for daily, and yearly average by government agencies such as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organisation (WHO). Vehicle exhausts are key sources of Nitrogen dioxide, a key pollutant of ambient air. Other sources of NO 2 includes fossil fuels and industrial engines. [8] NO 2 is very toxic and causes acid rain. [9] Hence the need for sensitive, but more importantly selective sensors to monitor the levels of NO2 in breathable air. It is also desired that these sensors be able to provide fast response at room temperature.