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

Abstract

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.