ANNOUNCEMENTS
Air pollution continues to be a significant global health issue, greatly contributing to respiratory illnesses and cancer, mainly due to emissions from industrial processes, fossil fuel burning, and biomass combustion. This study addresses the urgent need for swift, precise, and sensitive detection of carcinogenic air pollutants by exploring the development of nanoparticle-based sensing formulations. The study highlights the application of metal oxide semiconductors (MOS), specifically zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO₂), and titanium dioxide (TiO₂), due to their high sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and miniatured design. These nanoparticles were synthesized using both conventional chemical techniques and environmentally friendly (green) synthesis techniques. Their structural, optical, and surface characteristics were analyzed through methods such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Photoluminescence (PL) Spectroscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). To improve their gas-sensing capabilities, strategies such as doping and surface functionalization were implemented, enhancing selectivity, sensitivity, and long-term stability against carcinogenic airborne pollutants. Besides their use in environmental monitoring, the synthesized ZnO and TiO₂ nanoparticles demonstrated promising photocatalytic activity. This was evidenced by their effective degradation of harmful dye pollutants like Rhodamine 6G and Methylene Blue under UV light, showcasing their potential for environmental remediation. By merging nanotechnology with environmental practices, this study offers a dual strategy—early detection of air pollutants and sustainable remediation of environmental contaminants—highlighting the importance of eco-friendly nanomaterials in mitigating pollution-related health hazards and fostering cleaner ecosystems.
Keywords: Air Pollution, Nanoparticle-based Sensors, Metal Oxide Semiconductors (MOS), Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Tin Oxide (SnO₂), Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂), Carcinogenic Pollutants, Green Synthesis, Nanotechnology, Biosensors.
