Product Description
A highly versatile air quality monitoring sensor module designed to detect a wide range of harmful gases and pollutants in Arduino, ESP32, and smart home automation projects. The MQ135 module utilizes a tin dioxide ($\text{SnO}_2$) semiconductor layer that experiences changes in electrical conductivity when exposed to target gases. It is highly sensitive to Ammonia ($\text{NH}_3$), Benzene, alcohol, smoke, Carbon Dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$), and other harmful environmental vapors. Featuring both an analog output for real-time concentration tracking and a digital threshold output controlled by an onboard potentiometer, this module is an essential component for building DIY air purifiers, indoor pollution monitors, and smart ventilation systems.
Pinout / Layout Connections
The module breaks out its tracking interface via a standard 4-pin male header block:
VCC Pin: Power supply input, requires a stable DC +5V. (Critical: The internal heating element requires substantial current, so power it from a robust 5V source rather than low-current pins).
GND Pin: Common system ground (0V) reference.
DO (Digital Output) Pin: Digital threshold pin. Outputs a HIGH/LOW logic signal when gas concentration passes the limit set by the onboard potentiometer.
AO (Analog Output) Pin: Analog output pin. Generates a variable voltage ($0\text{V}$ to $5\text{V}$) directly proportional to the detected gas concentration level.


Applications
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitors: Perfect for tracking everyday pollution levels, stale air, and accumulation of carbon dioxide in offices or classrooms.
Hazardous Leak Detectors: Excellent for monitoring workspaces for toxic vapors like ammonia, benzene, or concentrated alcohol fumes.
Automated Ventilation Systems: Ideal for triggering fresh air intake fans or smart air purifiers automatically when air quality drops below a safe threshold.
Compatibility
The MQ135 operates on dual analog and digital signals, making it widely compatible across major platforms:
Arduino Board Series (Uno, Nano, Mega) using standard analogRead() or dedicated MQ135 libraries for calibrated PPM readings.
ESP32 and ESP8266 boards (The analog pin requires a simple voltage divider to scale the output down to a safe 3.3V range).
Standalone Relay Modules (Can be driven directly by the DO pin for microcontroller-free threshold switching).
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value / Specification |
| Core Sensor Element | MQ135 Gas Sensor |
| Operating Voltage | DC 5.0 V |
| Heater Power Consumption | $\le 800\text{ mW}$ (~150 mA active current) |
| Detection Concentration | 10 ppm to 1000 ppm (depending on target gas) |
| Preheat Warm-Up Time | Over 24 Hours (Requires initial burn-in period for stable, calibrated readings) |
| Sensor Resistance ($\text{Rs}$) | $2\text{ k}\Omega$ to $20\text{ k}\Omega$ (in 100 ppm Ammonia) |
| Sensitivity Factor ($\text{Rs/Ro}$) | $\ge 5$ (relative to clean air resistance) |
What’s in the Box