Open Access

Emerging MoS₂-Based Composite Approaches for the Detection of SF₆ Decomposition Gases: A Review

Huo Ye¹, Jiantong Li², Lingna Xu^3,*

1 School of Materials and Energy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
2 School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing University of Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
3 College of Engineering and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China

* Corresponding Author: Lingna Xu. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Research and Application of Chalcogenide Semiconductor Materials in Gas Sensors)

Chalcogenide Letters 2026, 23(8), 1 https://doi.org/10.32604/cl.2026.087654

Received 20 June 2026; Accepted 19 August 2026; Issue published 18 September 2026

Abstract

SF₆ is the primary insulating and arc extinction medium in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) decomposes to create diagnostic markers, such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), thionyl fluoride (SOF₂), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) when electrical problems occur, such as partial discharge and local overheating. Accurate quantification of these fault-marker gases is important for the early identification of insulation defects and the condition assessment of SF₆-insulated equipment. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is a well-known and atomically thin van der Waals semiconductor that has attracted considerable attention as a platform for gas-sensing applications. This is due to its large accessible surface area, ability to tune its bandgap using a gate, and its good charge transfer properties. Gas adsorption induces charge transfer and redistributes charge carriers in MoS₂, thereby reorganizing surface energy levels and changing its electrical properties. This review summarizes recent advances in MoS₂-based sensing materials for the detection of SF₆ decomposition gases. This review examined three key ways to improve performance: modifying the atomic lattice, surface modification, and constructing heterojunction composites. Each of these strategies contributes to improving detection capabilities in a different way. Beyond decomposition-gas detection, ppm-scale moisture sensing and SF₆ leakage monitoring are also briefly compared as complementary functions required for automated GIS condition monitoring. The review evaluates the effectiveness of these sensing materials for detecting SO₂ and thionyl fluoride SOF₂ and outlines future research directions.

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