Impact of COVID-19 on Gas Sensors Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (Electrochemical, Photoionization Detection (PID), Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS)), By End-User (Automotive and Transportation, Building and Construction, Oil and Gas, Chemicals, Medical and Healthcare, Food and Beverage, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The global impact of COVID-19 on gas sensors market was valued at USD 996.81 million in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 919 58 million by 2032, declining at a CAGR of -0.9% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the gas sensor end-user industries like automotive, manufacturing, aviation, etc., negatively impacting production and sales, thereby leading to fluctuations in demand for the sensors used in these sectors. Conversely, the healthcare sector experienced increased demand for gas sensors, particularly for detecting airborne pathogens and monitoring indoor air quality in hospitals and healthcare facilities. These factors are impacting the demand for gas sensors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gas sensors are devices designed to detect and measure specific environmental gases. They work based on various principles, including chemical reactions, conductivity changes, and optical detection. Gas sensors are vital in numerous applications, such as industrial safety, environmental monitoring, and healthcare. Several different types of gas sensors are utilized in various industries. Chemical sensors use specific reactions between gases and sensor materials to produce an electrical signal proportional to the gas concentration.

Conductivity-based sensors measure changes in electrical conductivity when gases are absorbed into or react with the sensing material. Optical sensors detect gases by measuring the absorption or emission of light in the presence of target gases. These sensors ensure safety by detecting toxic or flammable gases, monitoring air quality, and controlling industrial processes. Their compact size, fast response times, and sensitivity make them invaluable tools for various industries and applications.

Highlight

• Electrochemical gas sensing technology dominates the technology segment.
• Asia-Pacific held the largest market share.

Market Dynamics

Global impact of covid-19 on gas sensors market drivers

Demand fluctuations

The gas sensors market has experienced demand fluctuations driven by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on various industries. Sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, and aviation witnessed significant downturns in production and operations due to lockdowns and supply chain disruptions, reducing demand for gas sensors used in emissions control systems, industrial monitoring, and safety applications.

Following a depressing 2019 in which global auto output sharply decreased (to less than 92.2 million cars, trucks, and buses), ending a decade of growth, the global auto industry was confronted with an unprecedented problem in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the president of OICA, 2020 was "the worst crisis ever to impact the automotive industry, a key sector of the world economy," with weeks of widespread closures of the auto industry and its numerous suppliers worldwide. The data gathered indicates a 16% drop in 2020 production to fewer than 78 million cars, or sales levels comparable to 2010. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the gas sensors market.

Shift in end-user applications 

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a notable shift in end-user applications for gas sensors, particularly in healthcare and indoor air quality monitoring. With heightened concerns about airborne pathogens, including the virus responsible for COVID-19, there has been a surge in demand for gas sensors in healthcare settings. These sensors monitor indoor air quality, detect hazardous gases, and ensure safe environments for patients and healthcare workers.

Additionally, as businesses and institutions prioritize the health and safety of occupants, gas sensors are deployed in commercial buildings, schools, and public spaces to monitor ventilation systems and detect potential airborne contaminants. This shift towards health-centric applications underscores the evolving role of gas sensors beyond traditional industrial uses, positioning them as essential tools in safeguarding public health and facilitating a safer post-pandemic environment.

Global impact of covid-19 on gas sensors market restraint

Essentiality of gas sensors

The essentiality of gas sensors across various industries has acted as a significant restraint on the impact of COVID-19 on the gas sensors market. Gas sensors are indispensable for ensuring safety, compliance, and operational efficiency in sectors such as healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and oil and gas. The demand for gas sensors remained robust throughout the pandemic, particularly in healthcare, where air quality monitoring is critical for patient well-being and infection control.

Gas sensors are also vital components in medical equipment such as ventilators and anesthesia machines, further bolstering their indispensability. Additionally, the need for remote monitoring and control of environments has increased during the pandemic, driving the adoption of gas sensors in various applications. This essential role has sustained demand for gas sensors despite the economic challenges posed by the global health crisis, indicating their resilience and importance in ensuring safety and efficiency across industries.

Global impact of covid-19 on gas sensors market opportunities

Rising research and development

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated research and development efforts in the gas sensors market, particularly in areas such as virus detection, environmental monitoring, and indoor air quality. With an increased focus on public health and safety, there's heightened interest in developing innovative gas-sensing technologies capable of detecting airborne pathogens, monitoring pollution levels, and ensuring indoor spaces' safety. This emphasis on R&D drives advancements in sensor sensitivity, accuracy, and connectivity features, paving the way for more robust and versatile gas-sensing solutions.

For instance, in December 2023, The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), led by President Dr. Ho Seong Lee, successfully created a poisonous gas sensor with the most superior sensitivity in the world. This sensor can accurately and precisely measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a harmful chemical found in the atmosphere. It can do so at room temperature while using very little power and achieving an extremely high level of sensitivity. It has many applications, including detecting leftover gasses in semiconductor fabrication and studying electrolysis catalysts. These factors are anticipated to create opportunities for the growth of the market.

Regional Analysis

Asia-pacific dominates the global market

Based on region, the global impact of COVID-19 on gas sensors market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global impact of COVID-19 on gas sensors market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The rapid expansion of the automotive industries in China and India is a major catalyst for the growth of gas sensors in the market. Asia's automotive production slightly declined about 10% amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, China, which saw a significant impact during the initial months of 2020, demonstrated a rapid recovery; overall, the decline in Chinese production was confined to a mere 2%. Asia continues to maintain its position as the largest automobile-producing region in the world, accounting for 57% of worldwide output. This is expected to impact the need for gas sensors in the region.

Furthermore, the increase in research and development activities by prominent regional institutes has led to the development of advanced gas sensing technologies. For instance, in October 2023, the physics department at Lucknow University received an Indian patent for a gas sensor capable of detecting hazardous air pollutants, including carbon dioxide. The sensor is fabricated using a composite material consisting of clay and fly ash, resulting in a cost that is ten times lower than other sensors available in the market.

Moreover, the sensor aims to offer a cost-effective alternative for the general populace, students, researchers, and scientists. The device can rapidly identify and analyze hazardous gasses in seconds. The sensor was devised by Associate Professor CR Gautam and his colleagues and fabricated and evaluated by Professor Bal Chandra Yadav and Ajit Singh. Consequently, all these factors significantly depict the impact of COVID-19 on gas sensors market.

The European region has significantly experienced the impact of COVID-19 on its gas sensor market. On average, European automotive production experienced a decline of over 21%. The primary producing nations experienced significant decreases, ranging from 11% to over 40%. Europe accounted for around 22% of the global production. This disruption in the automotive sector has shifted the focus of gas sensors to the healthcare industry in this region.

Moreover, there has been an increase in the emphasis on the advancement of gas sensors in this area following the impact of the pandemic. For instance, in February 2024, a team of scientists led by Darius Viržonis from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Lithuania created gravimetric sensors capable of detecting greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide and methane. According to the researchers, gravimetric sensors are a superior substitute for the already employed electrochemical sensors due to their heightened sensitivity and reduced energy consumption. This is anticipated to drive the growth of gas sensors in Europe.

Segmental Analysis

The global impact of COVID-19 on gas sensors market is segmented by technology and end-users.

Based on technology, the global impact of COVID-19 on gas sensors market is divided into electrochemical, photoionization detection (PID), and metal oxide semiconductor (MOS). 

The electrochemical gas sensing technology segment dominates the global market. Electrochemical gas sensors can find and measure gas concentrations in the atmosphere. They work based on chemical reactions when an electrode and an electrolyte solution come into contact with a gas. A reaction that occurs when the sensor's electrode comes into contact with the target gas produces an electrical signal proportionate to the gas concentration. The gas concentration can then be ascertained by interpreting this signal.

Moreover, these highly sensitive, selective sensors offer rapid response times, making them valuable in various applications such as industrial safety monitoring, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics. Due to their reliability and efficiency in gas detection, they are particularly useful for detecting gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and oxygen in diverse settings.

Based on end-users, the global impact of COVID-19 on gas sensors market is segmented into automotive and transportation, building and construction, oil and gas and chemicals, medical and healthcare, food and beverage, and others.

Gas sensors ensure vehicle safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance in the automotive and transportation sectors. These sensors detect various gases emitted by vehicles, including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). In automotive applications, gas sensors are integrated into exhaust systems to monitor emissions, enabling vehicles to meet regulatory standards and reduce air pollution.

Additionally, they are utilized in cabin air quality monitoring systems to ensure passenger health and comfort. Gas sensors are employed in public transportation vehicles such as buses and trains to monitor air quality in enclosed spaces and detect potential gas leaks, safeguarding passengers and operators. These sensors contribute to developing cleaner and more efficient vehicle technologies, promoting sustainable transportation solutions for a healthier environment.

Recent Developments

• November 2023- A team of researchers from South Korea's Incheon National University and Jeonbuk National University is suggesting a novel method for developing gas sensors that combine organic and inorganic materials. These sensors have demonstrated exceptional durability, selectivity, and sensitivity.
• January 2024- Green Instruments and the Danish Technological Institute collaborated together to develop real-time flue gas sensor technology that allows ships' black carbon emissions to be precisely measured.