Resistive-based gas sensors for detection of benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) gases: a review

Benzene, toluene, and xylene gases, which are known collectively as BTX gases, are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are used extensively in many industrial products. Nevertheless, BTX gases are quite toxic and need to be detected by sensitive sensors as fast as possible. Among the various gas sensors available, resistive-based gas sensors are among the most promising candidates for the detection of these gases. On the other hand, it is difficult to realize resistive-based gas sensors with high sensitivity to BTX gases owing to their relatively low chemical reactivity. In addition, the selective detection of a single gas among the BTX gases is challenging because of their similar nature and structure. This review discusses the different strategies employed in resistive-based gas sensors for the realization of high performance BTX gas sensors.