Scientists at TU Delft have created sensors that facilitate the secure and dependable utilization of hydrogen as a clean energy source, especially in challenging environments like aviation and polar regions. The team, comprising experts from the Faculties of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Sciences, is collaborating to develop advanced sensors for detecting hydrogen leakages in various critical areas of hydrogen-powered aircraft. Leveraging funding from EU projects HYDEA and Overleaf, the researchers are focusing on both the materials required for hydrogen detection and the integration of these sensors with other technologies. These sensors are vital for ensuring the safe operation of hydrogen-powered planes, particularly near storage tanks, propulsion systems, and hydrogen pipes, where temperatures can plummet to -60 °C during flights. The technology works by utilizing a layer thinner than a human hair, which undergoes changes in its optical properties upon detecting a hydrogen leakage, making it visible to the naked eye. This groundbreaking innovation not only enhances aviation safety but also drives the adoption of hydrogen energy, consequently supporting the global shift towards a carbon-neutral society.