Nanosensors for Automotive Applications

The use of onboard sensors combined with internet connectivity offers a very good driving experience, which propels the rapid growth of automotive market. The ever-growing sales of automotive across the world and emergence of new automobile technologies such as autonomous vehicles are the key factors driving the growth of automotive sensor market. It is expected that nanotechnology is going to play a very significant role in the automobile industry. Nanosensors can be used to sense emission gases like hydrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide in vehicles. Nanosensors can also be used for monitoring the temperature and pressure in automobiles. This chapter deals with nanomaterials and nanostructures used for the development of nanosensors for automotive applications. This chapter also throws light on the use of graphene and carbon nanotubes for gas sensing, nanoparticle-based pressure sensors and temperature sensors, silicon and other semiconductor-based pressure and temperature sensors, metal oxide gas sensors, and application of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials in automotive applications. The demand for nanosensors have been increasing in the automobile industry because of the environmental requirements, features that provide more comfortness, electronic stability programs (ESP) and their requirements in safety features like airbags. The future for automotive sensor business seems to be bright due to the increasing safety and comfortness based demands of customers. This chapter discusses the nanomaterials and nanostructures used for the development of nanosensors for automotive applications. It focuses on the use of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for gas sensing, nanoparticle-based pressure sensors and temperature sensors, silicon and other semiconductor-based pressure and temperature sensors, metal oxide gas sensors and application of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials in automotive applications. Nanomaterials and structures in automotive industry provide benefits like corrosion resistance and reduced wear and tear, resistance against UV rays, development of nanosensors and other electronics, less weight, and minimization of emissions. Nanostructured materials such as CNTs, graphene, nanotubes, nanofibers, nanorods, nanowires, nanoparticles, and nanosheets can be used for the development of area, cost, and energy efficient nanosensors for the future automotive industry. The use of onboard sensors comb