The integration of montmorillonite in humidity sensor development

Humidity sensors based on natural clays, represent an innovative and sustainable approach for accurate humidity detection in air and soil. Montmorillonite, a naturally abundant and eco-friendly clay, is gaining significant attention due to its low cost, biodegradability, and minimal environmental impact. Its exceptional hygroscopic properties and ion-exchange capabilities make it an ideal material for humidity sensors.

This study investigates the potential of montmorillonite as a sensing layer by examining its structural, morphological, and electrical properties. The material’s ability to absorb water and alter its electrical characteristics in response to changes in humidity is key to its function as a humidity sensor. Additionally, the incorporation of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanofibers, graphene, or carbon nanotubes, is explored to further enhance the sensor’s performance. These nanomaterials improve the sensor’s electrical conductivity and mechanical stability while maintaining cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

The results highlight the advantages of montmorillonite-based humidity sensors over conventional devices. They exhibit high sensitivity, stability, and adaptability, making them suitable for applications in environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, the medical field, and other areas requiring precise humidity measurements. Furthermore, the biodegradability of montmorillonite ensures minimal environmental impact, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional sensors.

In conclusion, montmorillonite-based humidity sensors, enhanced with nanomaterials, provide a cost-effective, sustainable, and high-performance solution for humidity detection. This research contributes to the development of environmentally responsible sensor technologies with broad applicability across various industries.

Keywords: Sensors, Humidity, Nanomaterials, Montmorillonite, RE:ZnO, Eco-friendly.

Acknowledgments: IMT’s contribution was partially supported by Romanian Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation through the μNanoEl, Cod: 23 07 core Programme, partially supported by PNRR/2022/C9/MCID/I8 CF23/14 11 2022 contract 760101/23.05.2023 financed by the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization in Development of a program to attract highly specialized human resources from abroad in research, development, and innovation activities within the – PNRRIIIC9- 2022 - I8 PNRR/2022/Component 9/investment 8 and partially supported by National Platform for Semi-conductor Technologies - PNTS, contract no. G2024-85828/390008/27.11.2024, SMIS code 304244, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Program for Intelligent Growth, Digitization, and Financial Instruments.

Dr. eng. Marinescu Maria-Roxana received the Ph.D. Degree in Industrial Engineering from University Politehnica Bucharest in 2021. Currently she is a researcher at the National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies – IMT Bucharest, Romania. Her scientific research focuses on the development of innovative medical devices, advanced sensors, and functional materials, aiming to improve healthcare through more efficient, reliable, and sustainable technologies. She is currently the Director of a youth project aimed at developing new humidity sensors.