Highly Sensitive and Selective Real-Time Breath Isoprene Detection using the Gas Reforming Reaction of MOF-Derived Nanoreactors

Real-time breath isoprene sensing provides non-invasive methods for monitoring human metabolism and early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Nonetheless, the stable alkene structure and high humidity of the breath hinder sensitive and selective isoprene detection. In this work, we derived well-defined Co3O4@polyoxometalate yolk-shell structures using a metal- organic framework template. The inner space, including highly catalytic Co3O4 yolks surrounded by a semipermeable polyox-ometalate shell, enables stable isoprene to be reformed to reactive intermediate species by increasing the gas residence time and the reaction with the inner catalyst. This sensor exhibited selective isoprene detection with an extremely high chemiresistive response (180.6) and low detection limit (0.58 ppb). The high sensing performance can be attributed to electronic sensitization and catalytic promotion effects. In addition, the reforming reaction of isoprene is further confirmed by the proton transfer reaction-quadrupole mass spectrometry analysis. The practical feasibility of this sensor in smart healthcare applications is exhibited by monitoring muscle activity during the workout.

Automated summary

Real-time breath isoprene sensing provides non-invasive methods for monitoring human metabolism and early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. In this work, Co3O4@polyoxometalate yolk-shell structures were derived and showed selective isoprene detection with high chemiresistive response and low detection limit. The sensor's high performance is attributed to electronic sensitization and catalytic promotion effects, and its practical feasibility is demonstrated in smart healthcare applications.