Recent advances in photoelectrochemical detection of hydrogen sulfide

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), as a biologically significant gaseous signaling molecule and environmental pollutant, has garnered extensive attention due to its crucial roles in various physiological processes and environmental systems. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing has emerged as a promising analytical strategy for H₂S detection owing to its high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and minimal background interference, achieved through effectively coupling specific analyte recognition events with photoinduced electrochemical signals. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in PEC sensing technologies for H₂S detection, categorized into three main strategies: (i) PEC sensors based on the intrinsic hole-scavenging capability of H₂S; (ii) PEC platforms constructed via the in situ generation of metal sulfides (such as CdS, Bi₂S₃, Ag₂S, and Cu_xS); and (iii) PEC sensors incorporating small organic molecular probes specifically responsive to H₂S. Detailed discussions include detection principles, sensor configurations, material components, and analytical performance of various PEC sensing systems. Finally, perspectives are provided regarding future opportunities and challenges, including the exploration of novel metal sulfide semiconductors, development of advanced single-atom catalysts for precise recognition of H₂S, and further optimization of multifunctional organic PEC probes to extend practical applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and food safety analyses.