Highly sensitive MIM-based plasmonic sensor with hybrid nanoislands for selective VOC vapor detection

We present a high-performance plasmonic sensor based on a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide integrated with a square resonator for detecting volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ). The sensor utilizes surface plasmon polaritons ( SPPs ) and is functionalized with specific nanomaterials MOF-177 , and reduced graphene oxide ( rGO ) to enable selective identification of n-hexane and chloroform vapors. Through finite-element analysis and numerical optimization, the designed configuration achieves remarkable sensing performance. Functionalization with MOF-177 delivers an exceptional n-hexane sensitivity of 7639.4 nm/RIU and a Figure of Merit ( FOM ) of 34 RIU −1 , while rGO modification significantly enhances chloroform selectivity. This versatile and highly sensitive platform demonstrates great potential for advanced environmental monitoring and real-world VOC detection applications.