CMOS-MEMS VOC sensors functionalized via inkjet polymer deposition for high-sensitivity acetone detection

CMOS-MEMS microresonators have become excellent candidates for developing portable chemical VOC sensing systems thanks to their extremely large mass sensitivity, extraordinary miniaturization capabilities, and on-chip integration with CMOS circuitry to operate as a self-sustained oscillator. This paper presents two 4-anchored MEMS plate resonators, with a resonance frequency of 2.2 MHz and 380 kHz, fabricated together with the required circuitry using a commercial 0.35 mu m CMOS technology and then coated with poly-4-vinylheduorocumyl alcohol (P4V) via inkjet deposition. Such P4V constitutes a functionalization layer for specific acetone detection as a key step in the development of an integrated device for non-invasive diabetes diagnosis through exhaled human breath. The coated sensor system has been proven to increase the acetone injection response by 6-times compared to the uncoated platform and shows a cross-sensitivity to butane of 1 : 11. Experimental data show an acetone sensitivity of -0.012 ppm Hz(-1) in the best case that, together with a measured frequency Allan deviation of 0.32 ppm, provides an expected limit of detection as low as 20 ppb of acetone. Additionally, this work presents an alternative resonator design with folded flexure anchors that provide a drastic reduction of the sensor temperature sensitivity and mitigate the impact of a fluid flow inherent to the calibration system.

Automated summary

CMOS-MEMS microresonators are promising for portable chemical VOC sensing systems due to their large mass sensitivity, miniaturization capabilities, and integration with CMOS circuitry. This study presents MEMS plate resonators coated with P4V for acetone detection, showing increased response and a sensitivity of -0.012 ppm Hz(-1) with a detection limit of 20 ppb. An alternative resonator design with folded flexure anchors is also proposed to reduce sensor temperature sensitivity and mitigate fluid flow impact.