Gas detector devices and methods of making and use thereof

A gas detection method for distinguishing a first gas component and a second gas component, the method comprising:

• introducing a gas into a gas detector device, the gas detector device comprising:
• a temperature control layer;
• a grounded electrode disposed on the temperature control layer, wherein the grounded electrode is thermally conductive and is in thermal contact with the temperature control layer;
• a pyroelectric layer comprising a pyroelectric material, wherein the pyroelectric layer is disposed on the grounded electrode such that the grounded electrode is disposed between the temperature control layer and the pyroelectric layer, wherein the pyroelectric layer is in thermal contact and electrical contact with the grounded electrode;
• wherein the pyroelectric layer has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite and spaced apart from the top surface, and wherein the pyroelectric layer comprises a set of protrusions extending from the top surface;
• and
• a detection electrode opposite and spaced apart from the pyroelectric layer by a distance, such that the detection electrode and the top surface of the pyroelectric layer define an ionization zone between the detection electrode and the top surface of the pyroelectric layer;
• the method comprising:
• introducing the gas into the ionization zone of the gas detector device while heating or cooling the temperature control layer to a first temperature at a first rate, which induces a first potential in the pyroelectric layer via the pyroelectric effect;
• wherein the gas comprises the first gas component and the second gas component;
• wherein the first gas component has a first ionization potential and the second gas component has a second ionization potential;
• wherein the second ionization potential is greater than the first ionization potential;
• wherein the first potential is greater than or equal to the first ionization potential and less than the second ionization potential;
• thereby ionizing the first gas component to produce a first ion;
• and
• electrically detecting the first ion via the detection electrode;
• subsequently, heating or cooling the temperature control layer to a second temperature at a second rate, which induces a second potential in the pyroelectric layer via the pyroelectric effect;
• wherein the second potential is greater than or equal to the second ionization potential;
• thereby ionizing the first gas component to produce the first ion and ionizing the second gas component to produce a second ion;
• and
• electrically detecting the first ion and the second ion via the detection electrode.