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Fast and Accurate Exhaled Breath Ammonia Measurement
Published on: June 11, 2014
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Laser-Engineered MXene Heterostructure for Wearable Ammonia Sensors
Donghang Li1, Yida Wang1, Haomin Wang1
1Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
ACS Sensors
|March 30, 2026
Summary
A novel laser-engineered MXene (LEM) sensor offers highly sensitive and selective detection of exhaled ammonia at room temperature. This breakthrough addresses humidity challenges for improved breath analysis in diagnosing liver and metabolic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Sensing
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Exhaled ammonia is a key biomarker for hepatorenal dysfunction and metabolic disorders.
- Conventional ammonia sensors face challenges with complex fabrication, high operating temperatures, and poor selectivity in humid conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel sensor for accurate exhaled ammonia detection, overcoming limitations of existing technologies.
- To engineer a sensor with enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and stability, particularly under high humidity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a laser-assisted heterostructure engineering strategy to create Schottky barriers in MXene/polyacrylonitrile (PANF) nanofiber membranes.
- Employed laser micropatterning for kinetically controlled MXene deposition, self-aligned Schottky barrier formation, and hierarchical gas transport channels.
Main Results:
- The laser-engineered MXene (LEM) sensor demonstrated high sensitivity (2.5% ppm⁻¹) and a low detection limit (0.2 ppm) at room temperature.
- Achieved excellent humidity operation stability (>10% response at 90% relative humidity), outperforming conventional MXene sensors fivefold in sensitivity.
- Mechanism studies indicated laser-induced heterointerfaces facilitate charge transfer for ammonia adsorption/desorption, while the nanofibrous architecture ensures accessibility.
Conclusions:
- The LEM sensor offers a scalable, ambient-processable fabrication method for advanced wearable breath analyzers.
- The sensor exhibits superior humidity-resistant selectivity and energy-efficient operation, suitable for clinical diagnostics.
