Breakthrough in Hydrogen Sensing Technology: Tantalum Trumps Palladium at High Temperatures
Key Ideas
- TU Delft researchers, within the OVERLEAF project, demonstrate the superior performance of tantalum over palladium-based materials for hydrogen sensing at temperatures ranging from 28°C to 270°C.
- Tantalum thin films not only exhibit a strong optical response to hydrogen concentrations below 0.01% but also maintain stability and accuracy for over 350 cycles at 270°C, making them a promising option for hydrogen detection in various applications.
- In addition to material testing, the team at TU Delft has successfully developed an optical hydrogen sensor by integrating tantalum thin films onto a tilted fibre Bragg grating, showcasing promising results in initial tests presented at conferences.
- The research not only advances hydrogen sensing technology but also contributes to the safe integration of hydrogen technologies in Europe's green energy transition, reflecting the commitment of TU Delft and the OVERLEAF project to sustainable innovation.
Researchers at TU Delft, as part of the OVERLEAF project, have made significant progress in hydrogen sensing technology by investigating the performance of hydrogen sensing materials at temperatures between 28°C and 270°C. Their study compared TU Delft patented tantalum and tantalum-alloy thin films with palladium and palladium-gold thin films, highlighting tantalum's superior optical response and stability. Tantalum demonstrated effective response to low hydrogen concentrations and maintained accuracy at high temperatures, positioning it as a viable option for hydrogen detection in various sectors. Additionally, the team developed an optical hydrogen sensor using tantalum thin films on a tilted fibre Bragg grating, showing promising results in initial tests presented at conferences. This research not only enhances hydrogen sensing capabilities but also supports the safe implementation of hydrogen technologies in Europe's green energy transition. The commitment of TU Delft and the OVERLEAF project to sustainable innovation is evident in their efforts to develop reliable hydrogen sensors for a more sustainable future.