WO3 Nanoflakes Based Sensor Device for Breath Analysis to Detect Kidney Disease

Abstract

In this study, nanostructured WO3 based sensor devices were fabricated to detect low concentrations of ammonia for breath analysis. WO3 nanoflakes were synthesized on Al2O3 substrates via hydrothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to study morphological and crystal structure of fabricated films. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis was performed to confirm chemical composition of the oxide structures. The sensor device was exposed to some breath biomarkers such as ammonia, ethanol, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and acetone; and some interference gases such as H-2, NO2, toluene and xylene. Sensor tests were performed in the range of 1-80 ppm concentrations at different operation temperatures. Sensors with WO3 nanoflakes showed superior cross-sensitivity and response toward ammonia gas, offering a potential platform in kidney disease diagnosis.