Researchers Create a Hydrogen Sensor That May Open the Door to Cleaner, Safer Energy
A hydrogen sensor created by scientists could hasten the shift to environmentally friendly hydrogen fuel.
Hydrogen is seen as a major actor in the change to greener energy as the globe moves away from fossil fuels. But using human senses, the transparent, odourless, extremely combustible gas is difficult to detect and presents difficulties for safe application.
Developed by a The University of Manchester physicist, the sensor can quickly and consistently detect even the smallest concentrations of hydrogen. Small, reasonably priced, energy-efficient, it produces results that surpass portable commercial hydrogen detectors.
The new organic semiconductor sensor works by a process called “p-doping,” whereby oxygen molecules raise the active material’s concentration of positive electrical charges. When hydrogen is present, it interacts with the oxygen to reverse this effect and drastically lower electrical current. At room temperature through to 120 °C, this transition is quick and reversible.
The sensor was tested in a variety of real-world environments, including tracking hydrogen diffusion in closed rooms after an unexpected release, pipe leak detection, and even drone mounting for aerial leak detection. The sensor demonstrated its possible general application in homes, businesses, and transportation systems by proving faster than portable commercial detectors in all circumstances.
Crucially, the sensor may be built ultra-thin and flexible and might potentially be included into smart gadgets, allowing real-time continuous monitoring of hydrogen systems.
Currently, the team is concentrating on pushing the sensor ahead while evaluating its long-term stability in several detecting environments.
