WO3 nanoparticle-based conformable pH sensor

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2014 Aug 13;6(15):12226-34. doi: 10.1021/am501724h. Epub 2014 Jul 22.

Abstract

pH is a vital physiological parameter that can be used for disease diagnosis and treatment as well as in monitoring other biological processes. Metal/metal oxide based pH sensors have several advantages regarding their reliability, miniaturization, and cost-effectiveness, which are critical characteristics for in vivo applications. In this work, WO3 nanoparticles were electrodeposited on flexible substrates over metal electrodes with a sensing area of 1 mm(2). These sensors show a sensitivity of -56.7 ± 1.3 mV/pH, in a wide pH range of 9 to 5. A proof of concept is also demonstrated using a flexible reference electrode in solid electrolyte with a curved surface. A good balance between the performance parameters (sensitivity), the production costs, and simplicity of the sensors was accomplished, as required for wearable biomedical devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Buffers
  • Cell Survival
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Coloring Agents / chemistry
  • Electrochemistry / methods*
  • Electrodes
  • Electrolytes / chemistry
  • Electroplating
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Materials Testing
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxides / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature
  • Tungsten / chemistry*
  • Vero Cells

Substances

  • Buffers
  • Coloring Agents
  • Electrolytes
  • Oxides
  • tungsten oxide
  • Tungsten