High-Resolution, Fast, and Shape-Conformable Hydrogen Sensor Platform: Polymer Nanofiber Yarn Coupled with...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Sensing

Background:

• Hydrogen gas (H2) detection is crucial for safety and industrial processes.
• Conventional sensors often lack flexibility, wide detection ranges, or long-term stability.
• Palladium (Pd) undergoes phase transitions affecting its electrical resistance in the presence of hydrogen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a flexible, yarn-based hydrogen sensing platform.
• To investigate switchable hydrogen sensing behaviors.
• To achieve a wide concentration range and high reliability in hydrogen detection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a single-strand yarn with electrospun nanofibers.
• Coating nanofibers with nanograined Palladium (Pd) or Palladium-Platinum (Pd@Pt) via sputtering.
• Utilizing yarn spinning and sputter deposition techniques.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated switchable H2 sensing: resistance increase above 1% H2 and decrease below 1% H2.
• Achieved a wide detection range (0.0001%–4%) due to nanogranular Pd morphology and mechanical stability.
• Incorporation of an ultrathin Platinum (Pt) overlayer accelerated H2 detection.
• The core-shell scaffold provided excellent cycling reliability and flexibility.

Conclusions:

• The developed yarn-based sensor offers a flexible, low-cost platform for wearable chemiresistors.
• High surface area and porosity facilitate efficient gas diffusion and reaction.
• The sensor exhibits potential for advanced hydrogen monitoring applications.