Design strategies of semiconductor sensors toward ammonia monitoring in smart agriculture

Abstract

Semiconductor sensors have great potential in real-time monitoring ammonia emissions in agriculture owing to mall volume, low cost, real-time response and no manual operation. However, the power consumption of semiconductor sensors needs to be further reduced in order to be applicable to smart agriculture. Herein, to provide a basis for researcher to develop high-performance ammonia sensors, this review article summarizes key design strategies of semiconductor sensors to improve the ammonia sensing properties. Besides, to significantly reduce the gas sensors' power consumption, a novel design strategy of sensors based on gas molecule trigging with ultra-low power consumption is also discussed in detail. The current challenges and future opportunities of semiconductor ammonia sensors are put forward finally. The review aims to provide researchers with ideas to develop semiconductor ammonia sensors owing high performance and ultra-low power consumption and encourage the application of these sensors in future smart agriculture.