article · Scientific Reports
A humidity sensor has been developed using a nanocomposite material made from carbon nitride combined with graphene quantum dots. Structural testing reveals that quantum dots measuring approximately five nanometres in size attach directly to the exterior surfaces of the carbon nitride base. Combining these components yields a nanocomposite with a significantly larger surface area than either individual material alone. When evaluated across relative humidity levels ranging from 7 percent to 97 percent at various testing frequencies, the sensor demonstrated reliable sensing capabilities. The device achieved rapid response and recovery times alongside strong operational reversibility. Characterised by low cost, straightforward operation, and resistance to interference, the system offers effective performance for environmental and physiological monitoring.
Accurate humidity tracking is vital for personal healthcare, industrial operations, and everyday consumer monitoring. Traditional sensors can be sluggish or vulnerable to environmental interference. By combining carbon nitride and graphene quantum dots, this sensor delivers rapid, reliable detection across virtually all humidity ranges, offering a durable and low-cost alternative for practical moisture-sensing challenges.
This applied research demonstrates a functioning sensor tested across practical humidity ranges. The technology targets equipment manufacturers producing environmental monitors, consumer care items such as automatic diaper alarms, and clinical breath analysis systems. With low fabrication costs and resistance to interference, the sensor is at a laboratory-tested stage ready for integration into prototype alarm and diagnostic devices.
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Abstract Relative humidity (RH) is one of the most important factors that deserve intensive study because of its impact on many aspects of life. In this work humidity sensor based on carbon nitride / graphene quantum dots (g-C3N4/GQDs) nanocomposites have been developed. The structure, morphology and composition properties of the g-C3N4/GQDs were investigated and analyzed by XRD, HR-TEM, FTIR, UV–Vis, Raman, XPS and BET surface area. The average particle size of GQDs was estimated from XRD to be 5 nm and confirmed using HRTEM. The HRTEM images prove that the GQDs are attached to the external surface of the g-C3N4. The measured BET surface area was found to be 216 m 2 /g, 313 m 2 /g, and 545 m 2 /g for GQDs, g-C3N4, and g-C3N4/GQDs respectively. The d-spacing and crystallite size were estimated from XRD and HRTEM and found in a good matching. The humidity sensing behavior of g-C3N4/GQDs was measured in a wide span of humidity from 7% up to 97% RH under different testing frequencies. The obtained results demonstrate good reversibility and fast response/recovery time. The implemented sensor exhibits a great application prospect in humidity alarm devices, automatic diaper alarms, and breath analysis, which have advantages such as strong anti-interference capability, low cost, and easy to use.
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DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29960-8
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