ZnCo2O4‑Based Nanoparticle Sensor for 1‑Pentanol Detection
Gabriela O Gera1, Gustavo S M Dos Santos2, André L M Freitas1
1Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Santo André, SP 09210580, Brazil.
ACS Omega
|February 16, 2026
Summary
This study developed a new semiconductor metal oxide (SMO) sensor using ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles for detecting harmful microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). The sensor shows high sensitivity and selectivity for 1-pentanol, a key disease biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Sensing
- Biomarker Detection
Background:
- Microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) pose health risks and serve as disease biomarkers.
- Current detection methods for MVOCs are limited, necessitating advanced sensing technologies.
- Semiconductor metal oxide (SMO) materials offer potential for sensitive gas detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate ZnCo2O4 as a gas-sensing material for detecting 1-pentanol, an MVOC.
- To investigate the effect of ZnCo2O4 nanostructures on enhancing MVOC sensing capabilities.
- To develop an efficient synthesis method for single-phase cubic ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles.
- Calcination at 300 °C to achieve a single-phase cubic structure.
- Characterization using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
- Gas sensing performance analysis for various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at different temperatures.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized pure, single-phase cubic ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles.
- The ZnCo2O4 sensor exhibited high selectivity towards 1-pentanol.
- Achieved a maximum sensor response of 83.6% to 100 ppm of 1-pentanol at 300 °C.
Conclusions:
- An efficient method for producing single-phase cubic ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles was established.
- ZnCo2O4 demonstrates enhanced gas-sensing properties for 1-pentanol detection.
- This material holds promise for developing sensitive MVOC detection systems.
