WO3 nanoparticles supported by Nb2CTx MXene for superior acetone detection under high humidity

Chemiresistive gas sensors have emerged as a promising generation of detection systems for identifying trace biomarker molecules in exhaled breath, potentially replacing conventional devices for early-stage disease diagnosis. However, their potential is currently limited by the absence of sensing materials that exhibit both humidity resistance and ultrasensitivity. In this study, we investigate the potential of WO3 nanoparticles (NPs) supported by Nb2CTx MXene (WO3/Nb2CTx) as a highly efficient material for acetone sensing. Our results demonstrate that the synergistic interplay between WO3 NPs and Nb2CTx MXene support generates an intriguing interface with chemical/electronic coupling, thereby further enhancing the gas sensing performance. The WO3/Nb2CTx sensor exhibits exceptional sensing performance for acetone, with ultrasensitivity (Ra/Rg = 2.4 at 50 ppb) and an ultrafast response time (8 s), surpassing that of WO3 alone, while maintaining excellent stability. Moreover, the sensor exhibits outstanding response intensity, rapid response time (9 s), superior selectivity, and remarkable reversibility at a relative humidity of approximately 90 %. Additionally, we evaluate the gas-sensing properties of the sensor towards simulated exhaled breath of diabetic patients. In conclusion, our study presents a novel approach that integrates NPs and MXenes, which holds promise for the development of gas sensors with resistance to humidity interference.