Ultra-sensitive room-temperature conductometric sensor for acetone vapor detection using WO3/TiC/g-C3N4 nanocomposite: A breakthrough in environmental and health monitoring

The detection of acetone vapor is critical for ensuring environmental safety and safeguarding human health, as prolonged exposure can lead to serious health risks. We report a WO 3 /TiC/g-C 3 N 4 (WTCN)-based conductometric sensor for room-temperature acetone detection. This unique ternary architecture has not yet been explored and demonstrates a remarkable enhancement in sensitivity and selectivity due to strong interfacial synergy. The sensor leverages a novel WTCN ternary nanocomposite to functionalize interdigitated electrodes, which were extensively characterized to ensure optimal performance. The sensor's analytical capabilities were evaluated by exposing it to a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including ethanol, toluene, chloroform, dichloromethane, methanol, and water vapor, generated from the headspace of aqueous solutions with known concentrations. The WTCN-based sensor outperformed other configurations, showcasing remarkable linearity (R 2 = 0.998) and an impressive sensitivity of 19.808 μS.cm −1 ( v /v%) −1 . The sensor achieved a detection limit of 0.076 v/v% (760 ppm) in the gas phase, highlighting its potential for real-world applications. The response time of the acetone sensor, in the headspace for pure acetone solution ranges from 7 to 28 s and the recovery time from 0.3 to 3 s. Furthermore, the sensor was successfully tested in a practical sample, accurately quantifying acetone in the headspace of a commercial nail varnish remover, with results aligning closely with the manufacturer's specifications. This innovative sensor not only offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for acetone detection but also paves the way for advanced environmental monitoring and health safety applications. Its room-temperature operation, combined with high selectivity and sensitivity, makes it a promising tool for industrial, medical, and environmental diagnostics.