In this paper, we present the investigations on metal oxide-based gas sensors considering the works performed at SENSOR lab, University of Brescia (Italy). We reported the developments in synthesis techniques for the preparation of doped and functionalized low-dimensional metal oxide materials. Furthermore, we discussed our achievements in the fabrication of heterostructures with unique functional features. In particular, we focused on the strategies to improve the sensing performance of metal oxides at relatively low operating temperatures. We presented our studies on surface photoactivation of sensing structures considering the application of biocompatible materials in the architecture of the functional devices as well.
Keywords: catalytic effect; composites; doping; gas sensors; heterojunctions; metal oxides.