Electrochemical detection of methyl nicotinate biomarker using functionalized anodized titania nanotube arrays

Sensing and detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from exhaled breath is a possible method for early diagnosis of several pulmonary diseases. The use of solid-state TiO2 nanotube array sensors for VOC sensing applications has been of great interest. In this study, titania nanotubular arrays (TNAs) were synthesized through electrochemical anodization and used for the electrochemical detection of methyl nicotinate biomarker vapor. Functionalization of the TNA with cobalt was found to be necessary for methyl nicotinate detection. Titanium dioxide films synthesized through high temperature oxidation and functionalized with cobalt were also compared with cobalt functionalized TNA. The ordered TNA demonstrated itself to be an effective substrate for cobalt deposition and subsequent biomarker detection over thin titanium dioxide films. Surface analysis of the cobalt functionalized TNA by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies observed cobalt deposits exist as cobalt hydroxide on the surface. Exposure of the sensor surface to methyl nicotinate vapor results in the reduction of cobalt hydroxide to cobalt metal on the surface. Two mechanisms have been proposed to describe the binding of the nicotinate biomarker to cobalt functionalizedTNA consistent with the XPS studies and band theory.