High-Performance H₂S Sensors to Detect SF₆ Leakage

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Sensing
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Detecting hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in oxygen-deficient environments is critical for identifying leaks in sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) insulated electrical equipment.
• Current infrared detection methods are costly and environmentally sensitive.
• Existing semiconducting metal oxide (SMOX) sensors face limitations due to oxygen interactions and high operating temperatures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective and stable room-temperature H₂S sensor for oxygen-deficient environments.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional SMOX gas sensors.
• To utilize the unique properties of intrinsic conducting 2D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a gas sensor using the 2D MOF, Co₁.₈Ni₁.₂(hexaiminotriphenylene)₂ [Co₁.₈Ni₁.₂(HITP)₂].
• Testing sensor performance in SF₆ atmosphere under oxygen-deficient conditions.
• Evaluating selectivity, sensitivity drift, and long-term stability.

Main Results:

• The Co₁.₈Ni₁.₂(HITP)₂ sensor demonstrated high selectivity for H₂S with minimal cross-responses.
• Achieved a sensitivity drift of less than 4.13% over 60 days in an SF₆ atmosphere.
• Operated effectively at room temperature, unlike conventional SMOX sensors.

Conclusions:

• The developed Co₁.₈Ni₁.₂(HITP)₂ gas sensor is a promising solution for real-time and stable H₂S monitoring.
• This MOF-based sensor overcomes key limitations of existing technologies for SF₆ equipment safety.
• Offers a cost-effective and robust alternative for hazardous gas detection.