Fiber Optical Hydrogen Sensor Based on WO₃-Pd₂Pt-Pt Nanocomposite Films

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Sensing

Background:

• Hydrogen gas sensing is critical for safety and industrial applications.
• Existing sensors face challenges in sensitivity, response time, and operating conditions.
• Nanocomposite materials offer unique properties for enhanced sensor performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel WO3-Pd2Pt-Pt nanocomposite film for hydrogen sensing.
• To investigate the sensor's performance under varying optical power and environmental conditions.
• To evaluate the sensor's resolution, response time, and detection range for hydrogen gas.

Main Methods:

• Deposition of WO3-Pd2Pt-Pt nanocomposite films onto a single-mode fiber.
• Utilizing reflectivity changes in response to hydrogen concentration.
• Employing balanced InGaAs photoelectric detectors to convert optical signals to electrical signals.
• Optimizing optical power at 5 mW for maximum sensor performance.

Main Results:

• The sensor demonstrated a quick response to 100 ppm hydrogen at room temperature (25 °C).
• Achieved a high resolution of 5 parts per million (ppm) within a wide detection range (100-5000 ppm).
• Optimized optical power at 5 mW significantly improved sensor performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed WO3-Pd2Pt-Pt nanocomposite fiber optic sensor is effective for hydrogen detection.
• The sensor system provides early warning for hydrogen leakage, operating below explosion limits.
• This compact and sensitive sensor shows significant potential for diverse hydrogen-related applications.