Humidity-Tolerant ppb-level NO<i><sub>x</sub></i> Sensors Based on Ag<sub>2</sub>Te/CeO<sub>2</sub> Nanocomposites for Smart Greenhouse Farming
Weirong Zhou, Guoxuan Gu, Yuan Gao, Jiayin Han, Ning Yu, Chao Liao, Geyu Lu
Abstract
Monitoring trace levels of nitrogen oxides (NO x ) in high-humidity agricultural greenhouse environments is essential for both crop growth and workers’ health. However, achieving reliable NO x detection under extreme humidity remains challenging. Herein, this work presents an ultralow-detection-limit and highly humidity-tolerant NO x sensor based on Ag 2 Te/CeO 2 nanocomposites. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of Ag 2 Te/CeO 2 heterostructures for gas sensing. Among the as-prepared samples, the optimal Ag 2 Te/CeO 2 sample, with a molar ratio of 1:2, exhibited superior response and an ultralow detection limit of 5 ppb NO 2 at 65 °C. The sensor response retained over 92% of its regular response even at 99% relative humidity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that minimal H 2 O adsorption on Ag 2 Te and strong NO 2 adsorption on CeO 2, along with the formation of an n–n heterojunction, synergistically enhanced performance. Moreover, the sensor was further integrated into an Internet of Plants (IoP) environmental monitoring system. This work provides a new strategy for designing humidity-tolerant NO x sensors and offers a core device for smart agriculture.