Behind the gas sensors: revealing sensing mechanisms with advanced magnetic resonance technology

Abstract

Detection of specific gas components under various working conditions has emerged through great efforts, such as exploring novel materials and well-designed device structures trying to break the sensing limitations. However, the sensing mechanisms have not been thoroughly studied, i.e., the chemical structural properties of active sensing materials and their interaction with gas molecules. Magnetic resonance, commonly observed in nuclei and electrons when exposed to an external magnetic field, has the potential to offer abundant structural and interaction information without any damage. In this review, we first provide a concise introduction to the fundamental concept of magnetic resonance, followed by wide-ranging advancements in magnetic resonance-based techniques for investigating gas sensors, encompassing the determination of the structure of sensing materials and the elucidation of sensing mechanisms.