Innovative Hydrogen Sensor Development by Institute of Science Tokyo
Key Ideas
- Researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a highly sensitive hydrogen sensor to address safety concerns associated with increasing hydrogen production and use.
- The sensor can detect hydrogen at ultra-low concentrations of 5 parts per billion and is resistant to humidity, with a quick response time of just 7 seconds.
- By enhancing the sensor's performance through nanogap reduction and fabrication process improvements, it can now detect 1,000 ppm of hydrogen in 5 seconds.
- The sensor's development aims to facilitate the safe adoption of hydrogen technologies and support the transition to a hydrogen-based economy.
Hydrogen is gaining traction as a clean energy alternative, but safety concerns regarding its flammability and detectability have arisen. To tackle this, researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo led by Professor Yutaka Majima have devised an innovative solution - a hydrogen sensor capable of detecting ultra-low concentrations of hydrogen gas. The sensor, made from nano-patterned polycrystalline CuO NWs, operates by measuring changes in electrical resistance when exposed to hydrogen, allowing for the detection and quantification of hydrogen gas. Through advancements in fabrication techniques and annealing processes, the sensor can now detect hydrogen at unprecedented levels of 5 parts per billion, while also demonstrating resistance to humidity. Further improvements, such as reducing nanogap separation between electrodes, have enabled the sensor to swiftly detect high hydrogen concentrations and return to baseline conditions within seconds. This breakthrough in sensor technology not only enhances safety measures by enabling early leak detection but also paves the way for the widespread adoption of hydrogen technologies, supporting the global shift towards a hydrogen-based economy.