Significance of Various Sensing Mechanisms for Detecting Local and Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases: A Review

Elucidating the capital mechanism for detecting greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, based on sensitivity, performance, and cost-effectiveness, is challenging, but markedly needed in the presence of global climate change caused by GHG emissions and subsequent feedback. Often measured in units of Global Warming Potential (GWP), the GHGs are linked to climate change, especially due to their intrinsic tendencies to absorb heat energy. Hence, measures for reducing GHG emissions are implemented within the context of improving energy consumption; substituting high-GHG output fuels for more neutral alternatives; trapping and sequestering carbon; and reconditioning agricultural processes. The extent to which these curtailment methods succeed hinges on GHG detection and quantification mechanisms. However, the universal determination of GHGs is constrained by the availability of sensors; this work, therefore, highlights sensor advantages/disadvantages and potential enrichment strategies. Herein, experimental developments in GHG sensing technologies (i.e., chemiresistive, electrochemical, infrared, optical, acoustic, calorimetric, and gas chromatographic sensors) are evaluated, in terms of approaching desirable features, such as sensitivity, selectivity, stability, accuracy, and low cost. This work underscores ongoing global research to produce universal, cost-effective methods that, with high sensitivity, proffer accurate GHG readings to allay global warming, through comparisons of recent, up-and-coming sensor technologies.