Combining nonequilibrium Green's function method and density functional theory, an azulene-like dipole molecule sandwiched between two graphene nanoribbon (GNR) electrodes are explored to gas sensors. Both the pristine zigzag edged GNR and Boron-doped armchair-edged GNR are considered in this study. It shows that certain specific toxic molecules CO, NO and NO2 would adsorb on the doped Boron atoms of the GNR, resulting in a dramatic change in the current-voltage profile. Changes in the subbands of electrodes, induced by gas adsorption, are responsible for the variation of current. The devices are thus demonstrated to be sensitive nanosensors for these toxic gases. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.