Cu2O nanocubes as gas sensing elements for food packaging applications

Abstract

AbstractIntelligent packaging has attracted research interest during the last decades. More specifically, food packaging is of great importance due to the utmost need to monitor and maintain food quality until consumption. Thus, there is a high demand for sensors capable of detecting gases such as CO2, emitted by packaged meat or chicken which serve as freshness indicators. In the present work, a sensor based on Cu2O nanocubes was fabricated and tested against CO2 at room temperature. Cu2O nanocubes were synthesized by solution‐based methods and deposited on commercial interdigitated electrodes. Specifically, the Cu2O‐based sensor successfully detected down to 5% CO2 (50,000 ppm) in the ambient atmosphere, at room temperature, with a response time of less than 90 s. This level of CO2 is in the range that indicates the unsuitability of packaged meat for consumption. Furthermore, the sensor was able to maintain its response to CO2 after being stored in the fridge for 20 days, showcasing its endurance under food maintenance conditions.