A New Approach to Humidity Sensors Using Titanium Trisulfide (TiS3) Nanoribbons

Abstract

Humidity sensors play a critical role in diverse applications. Therefore, high-performance humidity sensors based on titanium trisulfide (TiS₃) nanoribbons (NRs) were developed. TiS₃ NRs were synthesized and characterized thoroughly using morphological, structural, and chemical compositional techniques. Then, the humidity sensing performance of the fabricated TiS₃-based sensor was systematically evaluated. Key findings include a sensitivity of 0.50 kΩ/%RH, a relatively short response and recovery time of approximately 21 s and 12 s, respectively, along with excellent long-term stability, low hysteresis (1.96% RH), high repeatability, and reproducibility. The performance of TiS₃ NRs-based sensors in practice was tested using exhaled breath, and the results were satisfactory. The sensing mechanism is attributed to the adsorption and condensation of water molecules on the layered TiS₃ surface, followed by the formation of a conductive path by water molecules at high RH. The results underscore the significant potential of TiS₃ as a robust material for highly sensitive and stable humidity sensors.