Moisture-resistant, stretchable NOx gas sensors based on laser-induced graphene for environmental monitoring and breath analysis

Li Yang, Guanghao Zheng, Yaoqian Cao, Chuizhou Meng, Yuhang Li, Huadong Ji, Xue Chen, Guangyu Niu, Jiayi Yan, Ye Xue, Huanyu Cheng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

121 Scopus citations

Abstract

The accurate, continuous analysis of healthcare-relevant gases such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) in a humid environment remains elusive for low-cost, stretchable gas sensing devices. This study presents the design and demonstration of a moisture-resistant, stretchable NOx gas sensor based on laser-induced graphene (LIG). Sandwiched between a soft elastomeric substrate and a moisture-resistant semipermeable encapsulant, the LIG sensing and electrode layer is first optimized by tuning laser processing parameters such as power, image density, and defocus distance. The gas sensor, using a needlelike LIG prepared with optimal laser processing parameters, exhibits a large response of 4.18‰ ppm−1 to NO and 6.66‰ ppm−1 to NO2, an ultralow detection limit of 8.3 ppb to NO and 4.0 ppb to NO2, fast response/recovery, and excellent selectivity. The design of a stretchable serpentine structure in the LIG electrode and strain isolation from the stiff island allows the gas sensor to be stretched by 30%. Combined with a moisture-resistant property against a relative humidity of 90%, the reported gas sensor has further been demonstrated to monitor the personal local environment during different times of the day and analyze human breath samples to classify patients with respiratory diseases from healthy volunteers. Moisture-resistant, stretchable NOx gas sensors can expand the capability of wearable devices to detect biomarkers from humans and exposed environments for early disease diagnostics. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number78
JournalMicrosystems and Nanoengineering
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Materials Science (miscellaneous)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Moisture-resistant, stretchable NOx gas sensors based on laser-induced graphene for environmental monitoring and breath analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this