Nanotechnology-based Flexible Hydrogen Sensors

With hydrogen vehicles already embracing carbon-reduction footprints, global warming seems to be moving a step further with its nobility its sensors.

The now available hydrogen sensors may soon be replaced by a newly developed flexible sensor, which is not only comparatively cheaper but also explores the world of nano-technology! Thanks the scientists at the U.S. Argonne National Laboratory.

What could help make the sensors cheaper is the use of only palladium nanoparticles instead of pure palladium.

But, of course this will not compromise on its pure-palladium-like efficiency. To add to, it can be used in a number of applications ranging from aircraft to portable electronics. To detect a hydrogen leakage caused by even tiny pinholes in the space shuttle pipe, the new technology can be of great use.

This is how the new flexible hydrogen sensor is fabricated:

The new sensing devices is fabricated by using a two-step process separated by hig] h and low temperatures. First, at around 900 degrees C, scientists grow SWNTs [single-walled carbon nanotubeson a silicon substrate using chemical vapor deposition. Then, scientists transfer the SWNTs onto a plastic substrate at temperatures lower than 150 degrees C using a technique called dry transfer printing.

And the result:-

The new sensors are highly sensitive, thus fast responding and quick recovering. The plastic sheets it uses help reduce the overall weight, increasing the mechanical flexibility as well as shock resistance.

Thus, its wide range - as well as sensitive and affordable - applications seem to be making the hydrogen (or eco-friendly) vehicles gradually affordable to more and more people who are environmentally conscious, but could not serve it because of the hard-to-meet costs.