Piezoelectric composites for gas sensing: evolution of sensing and transduction designs

Abstract

The development of piezoelectric composite (PEC) gas sensors is progressing rapidly, driven by innovations that range from atomic-level material design to system-level integration. While prior reviews have largely concentrated on material properties or transduction mechanisms, this review uniquely connects fundamental sensing principles with the challenges of integrating these sensors into larger systems. We comprehensively analyze recent progress in PEC gas sensors, highlighting their evolution from rigid structures to multifunctional, miniaturized systems. Key advances include: engineering interfacial coupling between gas sensitivity and energy harvesting to significantly enhance chemisorption reaction rates and piezoelectric efficiency; developing multiscale computational models for the rational design of high-performance sensors; and implementing AI-driven signal processing and energy management systems that mitigate environmental interference and power constraints. This review systematically summarizes the working principles, materials selection, transducer design, novel devices enabled by synergistic interactions, and AI-assisted gas recognition systems for PEC gas sensors. Finally, it offers critical perspectives on both the challenges and opportunities facing this technology.