Spinel type MCo2O4 (M = Mn, Mg, Ni, Cu, Fe and Zn) for chemoresistance gas sensors

Gas sensors present significant research value and broad applicability for environmental monitoring, medical diagnosis and agricultural production. As a p-type spinel ternary semiconductor metal oxide (SMOX), MCo2O4 (M = Mn, Mg, Ni, Cu, Fe and Zn) chemoresistance gas sensors possess a satisfactory sensing performance to diverse hazardous gases. Owning to the superior potential and widespread applications, this work provides a critical review of the current development for MCo2O4 chemoresistance gas sensors. Basic information of MCo2O4 and evaluation criteria of corresponding gas sensors were described primarily. Then the synthesis, morphology, characterization and sensing properties of MCo2O4 gas sensors were elaborated on the basis of different microtopography dimensions under zero dimension (0D), one dimension (1D), two dimension (2D) and three dimension (3D). Various efficient tactics for improving sensing performance and relevant transducing mechanism were demonstrated as well. Finally, perspectives on developing MCo2O4 synthesis and applications in gas sensors were elaborated.