Nanocarbon composites for detection of volatile organic compounds

The aim of this chapter is to review recent developments in the detection of potentially dangerous VOCs (VOCs) using various kinds of carbon-based nanocomposites. These VOCs include components of gasoline, benzene, toluene, xylene, tetrachloroethylene, etc., that have adverse effects on the health of humans as well as other living organisms. Carbon-based nanocomposites are now considered new and novel materials that provide high tensile strength as well as mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties that make them better and more promising candidates for the detection of potential hazardous VOCs. In addition, owing to the ease of fabrication and reduction, the low cost, and simple operation, carbon-based nanocomposites offer great potential for portable real-time medical diagnostics, in contrast to the conventional methods-based on cost and labor-extensive lab-bench instruments. A summary of recent information obtained using various VOCs with different carbon-based nanocomposites has been included in the discussion. Alongside the detection efficiency, their mode of operation under various parameters has been covered in detail.