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MQ Gas sensors series



What is the Gas sensor?


A gas sensor is a device that detects the presence or concentration of a specific gas or group of gases in the air. These sensors work by measuring a physical or chemical property of the gas that changes when the gas is present. For example, some gas sensors measure changes in electrical resistance, while others measure changes in the absorption or emission of light.

Gas sensors are used in a wide range of applications, including industrial process control, environmental monitoring, medical equipment, and consumer products. Some common types of gas sensors include:


  • Electrochemical sensors: These sensors use an electrochemical reaction to measure the presence and concentration of gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and oxygen.

  • Infrared sensors: These sensors use infrared radiation to detect the absorption or emission of gases such as methane, propane, and carbon dioxide.

  • Metal oxide semiconductor (MQ) sensors: These sensors use a metal oxide film to detect changes in resistance when exposed to gases such as methane, propane, and carbon monoxide.

  • Catalytic sensors: These sensors use a catalytic reaction to measure the presence and concentration of gases such as methane and propane.

  • Semiconductor sensors: These sensors use a semiconductor material to detect changes in electrical conductivity when exposed to gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.


Gas sensors are widely used in different fields such as industrial process control, environmental monitoring, medical equipment, and consumer products. They can be used for monitoring air quality, detecting gas leaks, measuring pollution levels, and many other applications.


It is important to note that each type of gas sensor has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to select the appropriate sensor for the specific application and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines.



What is Metal Oxides Semiconductor?


The MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor series is a group of gas sensors that can detect a wide range of gases, including combustible gases, smoke, alcohol, methane, natural gas, propane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and air pollutants such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.


Each MQ sensor in the series is designed to detect a specific gas or group of gases and works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The resistance change is then converted into an electrical signal that can be read by a microcontroller or data-logging device.




The MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor series is a type of gas sensor that can detect a wide range of gases, including but not limited to:

  • MQ-2: Combustible gases and smoke

  • MQ-3: Alcohol

  • MQ-4: Methane

  • MQ-5: Natural gas

  • MQ-6: Propane

  • MQ-7: Carbon monoxide

  • MQ-8: Hydrogen

  • MQ-9: Carbon monoxide and methane

  • MQ131 - Ozone

  • MQ-135: Ammonia, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other air pollutants

  • MQ136 - Hydrogen Sulfide gas

  • MQ137 - Ammonia

  • MQ138 - Benzene, Toluene, Alcohol, Acetone, Propane, Formaldehyde gas, Hydrogen

  • MQ214 - Methane, Natural gas


These sensors work by measuring the resistance of the metal oxide film inside the sensor, which changes in response to the presence of different gases. The MQ series of sensors are relatively low cost, easy to use, and have a long lifespan. They are commonly used in applications such as air quality monitoring, leak detection, and breath alcohol testing.


MQ 2 Gas Sensor



The MQ-2 is a gas sensor from the MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) series. It is a gas sensor that is designed to detect the presence of a wide range of gases including combustible gases such as methane (CH4), propane (C3H8), and hydrogen (H2), as well as smoke. The MQ-2 sensor works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The resistance change is then converted into an electrical signal that can be read by a microcontroller or dta-logginga device.

The sensitivity of the MQ-2 is high, and it can detect the presence of combustible gases and smoke at low concentrations. The operating temperature range of the MQ-2 is between -10 and 50 degree Celsius, and it is not highly selective, meaning it can detect a variety of gases. The MQ-2 sensor is widely used in environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and safety systems. It can be used in the detection of gas leaks, monitoring air quality in industrial plants, and other applications where the presence of combustible gases and smoke needs to be detected.

It is important to note that the MQ-2 sensor may have some variances in its specifications, so it is important to check the datasheet for the specific sensor being used and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines. Also, it is important to note that some of the gases detected by the MQ-2 sensor are toxic, so it is essential to take proper precautions and follow safety guidelines when working with these gases. MQ 3 Gas Sensor



MQ-3 is a gas sensor from the MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) series. It is designed to detect the presence of alcohol (ethanol) in the air. It works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The sensitivity of the MQ-3 is high, and it can detect the presence of alcohol at low concentrations. It is mainly used in breathalyzers, air quality monitoring systems, and industrial process control and safety monitoring systems.



It is important to note that the MQ-3 sensor is sensitive to humidity and temperature variations, so it may require calibration and adjustments to obtain accurate readings. Also, it is important to use the appropriate voltage and current when powering the sensor, as well as following the manufacturer's guidelines for usage and handling.



MQ-4 Gas Sensor


The MQ-4 sensor is a type of gas sensor that is specifically designed to detect Methane (CH4) gas. Methane is a colorless, odorless, and flammable gas that is the main component of natural gas. It is also a byproduct of many biological processes and can be found in landfills, coal mines, and natural gas fields.


The MQ-4 sensor works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to methane gas. The sensor has a high sensitivity to methane gas and can detect it at concentrations as low as 100 parts per million (ppm).


The MQ-4 sensor can be used in various applications such as industrial process monitoring, gas leak detection, and indoor air quality monitoring. It can also be used to detect methane gas leaks in natural gas pipelines, and to monitor the levels of methane in landfills and coal mines.


It is important to note that the MQ-4 sensor will require some calibration before it can be used and it may also require additional components to interface with a microcontroller or data logging device.


MQ 5 Gas Sensor


MQ-5 is a gas sensor from the MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) series. It is designed to detect the presence of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and town gas. It works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The sensitivity of the MQ-5 is high, and it can detect the presence of LPG, natural gas, and town gas at low concentrations. It is mainly used in gas leak detection systems, industrial process control, and safety monitoring systems.



It is important to note that the MQ-5 sensor may have some variances in its sensitivity depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to check the datasheet for the specific sensor being used and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines. Also, it is important to use the appropriate voltage and current when powering the sensor, as wellfollowwing the manufacturer's guidelines for usage and handling.



MQ 6 Gas Sensor


MQ-6 is a gas sensor from the MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) series. It is designed to detect the presence of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas. It works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The sensitivity of the MQ-6 is high, and it can detect the presence of LPG and natural gas at low concentrations. It is mainly used in gas leakage detection systems, industrial process control, and safety monitoring systems.



It is important to note that the MQ-6 sensor may have some variances in its sensitivity depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to check the datasheet for the specific sensor being used and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines. Also, it is important to use the appropriate voltage and current when powering the sensor, as well as following the manufacturer's guidelines for usage and handling. It is also important to use appropriate safety measure when working with gas, even if the gas is non-toxic.


MQ 7 Gas Sensor


The MQ-7 sensor is a type of gas sensor that is specifically designed to detect Carbon Monoxide (CO) gas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels. It is commonly found in the exhaust of automobiles and other combustion engines, as well as in the fumes produced by burning wood, charcoal, or other fuels.


The MQ-7 sensor works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to carbon monoxide gas. The sensor has a high sensitivity to carbon monoxide gas and can detect it at concentrations as low as 20 parts per million (ppm).


The MQ-7 sensor can be used in various applications such as indoor air quality monitoring, gas leak detection, and in automobiles as a CO sensor. It can also be used to monitor the level of carbon monoxide in the environment, for example, in air pollution monitoring. The MQ-7 sensor is widely used in portable gas detectors, smart home devices, and air purifiers to alert users of potentially harmful levels of CO.



It is important to note that the MQ-7 sensor will require some calibration before it can be used and it may also require additional components to interface with a microcontroller or data logging device.



MQ 8 Gas Sensor


MQ-8 is a gas sensor from the MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) series. It is designed to detect the presence of hydrogen gas (H2). It works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The sensitivity of the MQ-8 is high, and it can detect the presence of hydrogen gas at low concentrations. It is mainly used in gas leak detection systems, industrial process control, and safety monitoring systems.



It is important to note that the MQ-8 sensor may have some variances in its sensitivity depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to check the datasheet for the specific sensor being used and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines. Also, it is important to use the appropriate voltage and current when powering the sensor, as well as follow the manufacturer's guidelines for usage and handling. It is also important to use appropriate safety measures when working with hydrogen gas, as it is highly flammable and explosive.



MQ 9 Gas sensor


MQ-9 is a gas sensor from the MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) series. It is designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) gas. It works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The sensitivity of the MQ-9 is high, and it can detect the presence of carbon monoxide at low concentrations. It is mainly used in gas leakage detection systems, industrial process control and safety monitoring systems.



It is important to note that the MQ-9 sensor may have some variances in its sensitivity depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to check the datasheet for the specific sensor being used and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines. Also, it is important to use the appropriate voltage and current when powering the sensor, as well as following the manufacturer's guidelines for usage and handling. It is also important to use appropriate safety measure when working with carbon monoxide gas, as it is highly toxic and can be lethal in high concentrations.



MQ 131 Gas Sensor



MQ-131 is a gas sensor from the MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) series. It is designed to detect the presence of ozone (O3) gas. It works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The sensitivity of the MQ-131 is high, and it can detect the presence of ozone at low concentrations. It is mainly used in air quality monitoring systems and industrial process control.

It is important to note that the MQ-131 sensor may have some variances in its sensitivity depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to check the datasheet for the specific sensor being used and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines. Also, it is important to use the appropriate voltage and current when powering the sensor, as well as following the manufacturer's guidelines for usage and handling. It is also important to use appropriate safety measure when working with ozone gas, as it can be harmful to human health and can cause respiratory problems, and high concentration can cause damage to the lungs.



MQ 135 Gas Sensor


MQ-135 is a gas sensor from the MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) series. It is designed to detect the presence of various gases including ammonia (NH3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), benzene, and alcohol. It works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The sensitivity of the MQ-135 is high, and it can detect the presence of these gases at low concentrations. It is mainly used in air quality monitoring systems, industrial process control and safety monitoring systems.



It is important to note that the MQ-135 sensor may have some variances in its sensitivity depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to check the datasheet for the specific sensor being used and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines. Also, it is important to use the appropriate voltage and current when powering the sensor, as well as following the manufacturer's guidelines for usage and handling. It is also important to use appropriate safety measure when working with these gases, as they can be harmful to human health and can cause respiratory problems, and high concentration can cause damage to the lungs.



MQ 136 Gas Sensor


MQ-136 is a gas sensor from the MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) series. It is designed to detect the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. It works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The sensitivity of the MQ-136 is high, and it can detect the presence of hydrogen sulfide at low concentrations. It is mainly used in industrial process control, safety monitoring systems and also used in the detection of gas leaks in the oil and gas industry.



It is important to note that the MQ-136 sensor may have some variances in its sensitivity depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to check the datasheet for the specific sensor being used and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines. Also, it is important to use the appropriate voltage and current when powering the sensor, as well as following the manufacturer's guidelines for usage and handling. It is also important to use appropriate safety measure when working with hydrogen sulfide gas, as it is highly toxic and can be lethal in high concentrations. Inhaling hydrogen sulfide gas can cause serious health problems such as headaches, dizziness, and even death.



MQ 137 Gas sensor


The MQ-137 sensor is a type of gas sensor that is specifically designed to detect Ammonia (NH3) gas. Ammonia is a colorless, pungent-smelling gas that is commonly used in the agricultural and industrial sectors. It is also a byproduct of many biological processes and can be found in the urine of animals.


The MQ-137 sensor works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to ammonia gas. The sensor has a high sensitivity to ammonia gas and can detect it at concentrations as low as a few parts per million (ppm).


The MQ-137 sensor can be used in various applications such as agriculture, industry and in laboratories to detect leaks in refrigeration systems, to monitor the air quality in livestock farms and to check the purity of industrial gases. It can also be used to detect the presence of ammonia in the environment, for example, in air or water pollution monitoring.


It is important to note that the MQ-137 sensor will require some calibration before it can be used and it may also require additional components to interface with a microcontroller or data logging device.



MQ 138 Gas Sensor


The MQ138 is a gas sensor from the MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) series. It is a gas sensor that is designed to detect the presence of Sulfide (H2S) gas in the air.

The MQ138 sensor works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The resistance change is then converted into an electrical signal that can be read by a microcontroller or data-logging device.

The sensitivity of the MQ138 is high and it can detect H2S gas at low concentrations. The operating temperature range of the MQ138 is between -10 and 60 degree Celsius, and it is highly selective, meaning it only detects H2S gas.

The MQ138 sensor is widely used in environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and safety systems. It can be used in the detection of H2S gas leaks, monitoring air quality in industrial plants, and other applications where the presence of H2S gas needs to be detected.

It is important to note that the MQ138 sensor may have some variances in its specifications, so it is important to check the datasheet for the specific sensor being used and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines. Also, it is important to note that H2S gas is toxic, and can cause respiratory problems, so it is essential to take proper precautions and follow safety guidelines when working with H2S gas.



MQ-214 Gas Sensor


The MQ214 is a gas sensor from the MQ (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) series. It is a gas sensor that is designed to detect the presence of Ammonia (NH3) gas in the air.

The MQ214 sensor works by measuring the resistance change of the metal oxide film inside the sensor when exposed to the target gas. The resistance change is then converted into an electrical signal that can be read by a microcontroller or data-logging device.

The sensitivity of the MQ214 is high, and it can detect the presence of Ammonia gas at low concentrations. The operating temperature range of the MQ214 is between -10 and 60 degree Celsius, and it is highly selective, meaning it only detects Ammonia gas.

The MQ214 sensor is widely used in environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and safety systems. It can be used in the detection of Ammonia gas leaks, monitoring air quality in industrial plants, and other applications where the presence of Ammonia gas needs to be detected.

It is important to note that the MQ214 sensor may have some variances in its specifications, so it is important to check the datasheet for the specific sensor being used and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines.




Here are some key factors to consider when using an MQ sensor:


  • Sensitivity: The sensitivity of an MQ sensor refers to its ability to detect a specific gas at low concentrations. For example, the MQ-7 sensor has a high sensitivity to carbon monoxide gas and can detect it at concentrations as low as 20 parts per million (ppm).


  • Selectivity: The selectivity of an MQ sensor refers to its ability to distinguish between different gases. Some MQ sensors, such as the MQ-2, are not very selective and can respond to a wide range of gases. Other sensors, such as the MQ-7, are highly selective and only respond to a specific gas.


  • Response time: The response time of an MQ sensor refers to the amount of time it takes for the sensor to detect a change in gas concentration. Some MQ sensors, such as the MQ-2, have a fast response time and can detect changes in gas concentration within seconds. Others, such as the MQ-135, may take several minutes to respond to a change in gas concentration.


  • Operating temperature: The operating temperature of an MQ sensor refers to the range of temperatures at which the sensor can accurately detect gases. Some MQ sensors, such as the MQ-7, can only operate within a narrow temperature range, while others, such as the MQ-2, are more tolerant of temperature changes.


  • Long-term stability: The long-term stability of an MQ sensor refers to its ability to maintain its accuracy over time. Some MQ sensors, such as the MQ-9, may experience significant drift in accuracy over time, while others, such as the MQ-4, maybe more stable.


  • Cost: The cost of an MQ sensor can vary depending on the type of sensor and the application. Some MQ sensors, such as the MQ-2, are relatively low-cost and easy to use, while others, such as the MQ-135, can be more expensive and require additional components to interface with a microcontroller or data logging device.


It is important to note that each MQ sensor may have different variances and specifications, so it is important to check the datasheet for the specific sensor being used and follow the appropriate usage and calibration guidelines.

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