Textile-based electrochemical sensor to detect ethanol using platinum nanoparticles as sensing element

The development of textile-based electrochemical sensors for monitoring biomarkers in biological fluids, particularly alcohol, is a key area of research for real-time health monitoring. Alcohol, a widely consumed psychoactive substance, is a leading cause of fatal road accidents. This study explores the characterization and functionalization of a novel textile-based screen-printed electrode (SPE) for ethanol detection. The textile substrate is made of 50% recycled polyester and 50% hemp, as an alternative platform for electrochemical sensing. The non-functionalized SPE exhibited excellent stability, retaining 95.5% of its initial current response after four months. The working electrode (WE) was functionalized with platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) to enhance ethanol detection. A cleaning method was applied to reduce PtNPs passivation, improving the sensor's stability and reproducibility, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.56% over five consecutive measurements. Electrochemical characterization was performed using cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, potentiometry, and square wave voltammetry, providing both qualitative and quantitative insights. The sensor demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity for ethanol detection, with a concentration range from 0.00543 M to 0.07 M, detection and quantification limits of 0.0034 M and 0.0103 M, respectively, and a sensitivity of 0.0023 M/A. These values align with ethanol concentrations typically found in human sweat, corresponding to the legal driving limit. Textile-based SPE offers a promising alternative to traditional rigid sensors, providing a reusable and wearable solution. This study demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating textile-based electrochemical sensors for ethanol detection with applications in forensic analysis, healthcare, and road safety.