YSZ-based mixed-potential acetone sensor with LaBaCo2O5+δ sensitive electrode for diabetic diagnosis

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Chemical, 2024-11, Vol.418, p.136273, Article 136273
• Main Authors: Yu, Tianling, Meng, Xiangli, Hao, Xidong, Dong, Zirong, Wang, Yinglin, Sun, Shanfu, Cheng, Pengfei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acetone; Gas sensor; Mixed potential; Noninvasive monitoring; YSZ
• ISSN: 0925-4005; 1873-3077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2024.136273

The acetone concentration in exhaled breath can be utilized for the noninvasive diagnosis of diabetes. In this study, to fulfil the requirements of breath analysis for diabetes diagnosis, high-performance mixed-potential acetone sensors based on yttria-stabilized zirconia were successfully developed by employing a novel sensitive electrode (SE) material, namely, LaBaCo2O5+δ. Electrochemical measurement results revealed that the LaBaCo2O5+δ SE, sintered at 1000 ℃, exhibited outstanding electrochemical catalytic activity toward acetone. The device incorporating this SE demonstrated a peak response of −46 mV to 100 ppm acetone at 655 ℃. Sensitive performance assessments indicated the capability of the sensor to detect acetone concentrations ranging from 200 ppb to 100 ppm. Based on the mixed-potential model, the sensitivities of the current device were quantified as −1.3 and −53.7 mV/decade within the acetone concentration ranges of 0.2−5 and 10−100 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, the fabricated sensor exhibited exceptional selectivity, repeatability, humidity resistance, and long-term stability. In addition, simulated expiratory experiments showed that the developed sensor has substantial potential for application in breath analysis for diabetes diagnosis and noninvasive monitoring of a patient’s physical status. ●Varying the sintering temperature of a material to tune its micro- and nanostructure.●The sensor with LaBaCo2O5-1000-SE shows a low detection limit of 200 ppb for acetone.●The potential for noninvasive testing is verified by simulated exhaling experiments.