Flexible and biodegradable paper-based reduced graphene oxide sensor for room-temperature NO2 detection.
KOMORIZONO, Amanda Akemy; LIMA, Bruno Sanches de; LLOBET, Eduard; FLOR, Silvia De la; MASTELARO, Valmor Roberto.
KOMORIZONO, Amanda Akemy; LIMA, Bruno Sanches de; LLOBET, Eduard; FLOR, Silvia De la; MASTELARO, Valmor Roberto.
Abstract: Paper-based analytical devices have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional electronic sensors due to their low cost, flexibility, and reduced environmental impact. In this work, a flexible and biodegradable NO2 gas sensor based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) incorporated into cellulose paper is reported. The sensing platform was fabricated via a simple solution-based self-assembly process by immersing filter paper into rGO dispersions of varying concentrations, enabling control over the formation of the conductive network and the sensing response. The influence of rGO loading and immersion cycles on the electrical and gas-sensing properties was systematically evaluated. The sensor prepared with an rGO concentration of 1.0 mg/mL exhibited the best balance between conductivity and accessible surface area, showing a response of 24.4% to 1.5 ppm NO2 at room temperature, an LOD of 0.3 ppm, an LOQ of 1.0 ppm, good reproducibility, and selectivity against common interfering gases. The device maintained stable electrical performance under repeated bending cycles, confirming its mechanical robustness. Gas-sensing measurements conducted under controlled humidity conditions revealed an enhanced response in humid environments, highlighting the importance of operating conditions for practical applications. In addition, the rGO paper sensor underwent rapid physical degradation in water, without detectable harmful residues, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable, transient analytical device. Rather than focusing on record-setting sensing performance, this study emphasizes the trade-offs among functionality, mechanical compliance, and environmental compatibility, positioning paper-based rGO sensors as viable platforms for NO2 monitoring.
@article={003306856,author = {KOMORIZONO, Amanda Akemy; LIMA, Bruno Sanches de; LLOBET, Eduard; FLOR, Silvia De la; MASTELARO, Valmor Roberto.},title={Flexible and biodegradable paper-based reduced graphene oxide sensor for room-temperature NO2 detection},journal={Microchemical Journal},note={v. 226, 118500-1-118500-10 + Supplementary data},year={2026}}