Development and Fabrication of an Interwoven CuO Nanorod-Based Acetone Sensor With High Selectivity

Abstract

In an era marked by shifting dietary patterns and a rising incidence of diabetes, the demand for noninvasive blood glucose monitoring methods has grown significantly. This study introduces an acetone gas sensor predicated on copper oxide (CuO) nanorods for breath analysis, offering a precise avenue for diabetes management. An interwoven CuO structure replaced nanorods, boosting surface area and target (acetone) response. The CuO nanorods exhibit exceptional sensitivity, detecting acetone gas at concentrations as low as 1 parts per million (ppm). Selectivity assessments reveal the sensor’s capability to differentiate acetone gas from other exhaled breath compounds, with a robust 197% response to 100 ppm of acetone gas compared to significantly lower responses (37% and 27%) for methanol and ethanol gases, respectively. Notably, the sensor’s response to nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide gases remains negligible at less than 0.1%, preserving its performance integrity. Furthermore, the sensor’s efficiency remains unaltered across varying humidity levels, cementing its applicability in breath analysis. Encouraging results from clinical trials highlight the potential for precise health assessments in diabetic patients, with the sensor facilitating personalized and accurate evaluations. The incorporation of individualized calibration significantly enhances sensor accuracy and reliability during clinical trials, enabling effective monitoring and analysis of acetone levels in breath samples for tailored and precise patient health assessments.