Yttria stabilized-Zirconia based sub-ppb level acetone sensor with LaBaSn2O5+δ sensing electrode

For the efficient diagnosis of diabetes via exhaled breath analysis, electrochemical acetone sensors based on mixed potential were fabricated using yttria-stabilized zirconia as the solid electrolyte and LaBaSn₂O₅+δ as the sensing electrode (SE) material. To optimize the sensing property, we varied the sintering temperature to modify the electrocatalytic activity of LaBaSn₂O₅+δ. Results show that LaBaSn₂O₅+δ SE sintered at 800 °C exhibited the highest response of −31 mV when exposed to 100 ppm acetone. The detection limit reached as low as 100 ppb, and a sensitivity of −17 mV/decade was achieved across the acetone concentration range of 2–100 ppm. Additionally, the sensor exhibited excellent selectivity, repeatability, and long-term stability. The excellent sensing performance indicates that the developed acetone sensor can be used for the noninvasive diagnosis of diabetes.