Potentiometric Performance of a Highly Flexible-Shaped Trifunctional Sensor Based on ZnO/VO Microrods.

A trifunctional flexible sensor was fabricated on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber surface. Synthesized ZnO and ZnO/VO composite were coated on ZnO seed layer sputtered PET fiber. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques confirmed the exact formation of ZnO and ZnO/VO. The fabricated ZnO/VO on ZnO seeds base temperature sensor recorded better electrical properties and reversibility with a maximum temperature coefficient resistance (TCR) of 0.0111 °C. A calibration curve (R = 0.9941) within glucose concentration of (10 µM-10 mM) was obtained at +0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl from current-voltage curves which assisted in calculating glucose sensitivity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ). The electrode achieved an outstanding performance of sensitivity (72.06 µAmMcm), LOD (174 µM), and LOQ (582 µM) at optimum deposition time. Interference from oxidation of interfering biomolecules such as ascorbic acid, dopamine, and uric acid were negligible compared to glucose. Finally, the fabricated electrode was employed as a pH sensor and displayed a pH sensitivity of 42.26 mV/pH (R = 0.9922). This fabricated ZnO/VO electrode exhibited high sensitivity and a stable combined temperature, glucose, and pH sensor which is promising for development of multifunctional sensors in next generation wearables.