Breathable smart sensor developed for real-time hazardous gas detection on masks

A research team led by Professor Sungwon Lee of DGIST’s Department of Physics and Chemistry has created a hierarchical nano‑on‑nano structure that improves the performance of wearable gas sensors. By directly growing graphene nanowalls on polymer nanofibers, the team produced a highly porous, conductive scaffold that enhances gas‑sensing sensitivity and response speed.

The graphene‑nanowall network provides a large surface area and efficient charge transport pathways, allowing the sensor to detect trace concentrations of hazardous gases with greater accuracy than conventional designs. The integration of this nanostructure into flexible substrates demonstrates the feasibility of embedding the technology into wearable devices that can continuously monitor breathing environments or industrial air quality.

The new architecture is poised to advance next‑generation wearable sensors, offering real‑time monitoring of personal exposure to harmful gases in both everyday and high‑risk industrial settings.