Enhanced Methane Gas Sensors Utilizing Lithium-ion Decorated SWCNTs Networks

Methane (CH₄) is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas, posing significant health and environmental risks due to its asphyxiant properties and increasing annual emissions. Accurate CH₄ monitoring is essential, especially in confined environments, yet current detection solutions remain limited by sensitivity and recovery issues. We fabricated an effective and simple methane gas sensor based on lithium-ion (Li+) decorated single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNTs) networks. By leveraging the unique interaction between Li+ ions and CH₄ molecules, as well as the exceptional conductivity and surface area of SWCNTs, the proposed sensor demonstrates a 157% improvement in sensitivity and a substantial increase in recovery compared to undecorated SWCNT-based devices. The device demonstrated improved sensitivity and recovery across a range of methane concentrations and humidity levels, suggesting potential for further development toward industrial, environmental, and IoT methane detection applications.