A highly sensitive cobalt chromite thick film based trace acetone sensor with fast response and recovery times for the detection of diabetes from exhaled breath

Acetone is known as the breath biomarker of diabetes. In this paper we have reported on a highly sensitive, stable cobalt chromite (CoCr2O4) thick film-based trace acetone sensor with quick response and recovery times promising for the detection of diabetes from exhaled breath. CoCr2O4 nanoparticles were prepared by a cost-effective and easy sol-gel method. The as prepared nanoparticles were well characterized by sophisticated characterization techniques, such as, XRD, FESEM. TEM, HRTEM, XPS, and BET. Further these nanoparticles were exploited to fabricate a Taguchi type chemoresistive sensor using a customized drop coater. The developed sensor was characterized by I-V measurement. The developed sensor exhibited high p-type response towards 1 ppm of acetone vapor (similar to 3.81 folds), and appreciable resolution between 1 ppm, 2 ppm (response = similar to 4.82 folds), and 5 ppm (response = similar to 6.64 folds) acetone vapor at 300 degrees C. Further, the sensor exhibited fast response and recovery times of similar to 1.65 s and similar to 62 s, respectively. Also, the response of the sensor to 1 ppm acetone vapor is appreciably higher than that of 0.2 ppm ethanol, 0.25 ppm ammonia vapor, and saturated moisture. Finally, the sensor is stable for at least 6 months and exhibits repeatable measurements.

Automated summary

This study presented a highly sensitive and stable cobalt chromite thick film-based trace acetone sensor with quick response and recovery times, showing great potential for diabetes detection. The sensor exhibited a high p-type response to acetone vapor, good resolution between different concentrations, and fast response and recovery times. It also showed stability and repeatability in measurements.