Nanostructured Sensors for Detecting Low Levels of Hydrogen at Low Temperatures

Abstract0529320PI：Ming L. Wang Ernesto IndacocheaUniversity of Illinois，Chicago本研究的目标是开发具有高灵敏度、选择性、快速响应和能够在低温下工作的先进纳米结构氢传感器。最近对替代发电方法的研究重点已经转向生产和储存H2作为替代燃料，因为它是最环保的燃料。可以预见，氢气将成为未来几代人的基本能源基础设施。然而，人们也认识到，如果处理不当（如运输、储存），它与任何其他可用燃料一样危险。因此，安全性是H2能源各个方面的自然关注点。超灵敏氢气传感器是一种快速检测任何级别氢气泄漏的传感器，如固体氧化物燃料电池（SOFC）中的氢气泄漏。目前的商用传感器通常尺寸太大而无法部署，并且响应非常慢。新兴的纳米传感器研究目前处于早期阶段，但在快速检测和灵敏度方面显示出希望。PI建议调查一种新型的Pd纳米管，最近已经开发出来，并在室温下的初步结果显示出高选择性，灵敏度和快速响应时间。这些纳米管将被纳入纳米结构MOS传感器的设计和制造中，该传感器将在实验室条件和现场测试下进行H2检测评估。在室温下检测低水平H2的纳米结构传感器的开发和认证将通过提高检测、处理和储存H2的安全性而具有直接的经济和环境效益。这是一个由传感器倡议NSF 05-526支持的项目。

Abstract0529320PIs: Ming L. Wang & Ernesto IndacocheaUniversity of Illinois, ChicagoThe objective of this investigation is to develop advanced nanostructured hydrogen sensors with high sensitivity, selectivity, fast response and able to work at low temperatures. Recent research thrusts for alternate methods of power generation has turned to production and storage of H2 as alternative fuel, as it is the most environmental friendly fuel. It is foreseen that H2 will become a basic energy infrastructure to power future generations. However it is also recognized that if it is not handled properly (e.g. transportation, storage), it is as dangerous as any other fuel available. Safety, therefore, is a natural concern in all aspects of H2 energy. Ultra sensitive hydrogen sensors are urgently needed for fast detection of hydrogen leakage at any level, such as the H2 leaks in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Current commercial sensors are generally too large in size to deploy and have a very slow response. Emerging nanosensor research is currently in its early stage but shows promises in the areas of rapid detection and sensitivity. The PIs proposed to investigate a new type of Pd nanotubes that has recently been developed, and for which the initial results show high selectivity, sensitivity and fast response times at room temperature. These nanotubes will be incorporated into the design and fabrication of a nanostructured MOS sensor which will be evaluated for H2 detection under laboratory conditions and field testing. Development and certification of a nanostructured sensor to detect low levels of H2 at room temperature will have an immediate economic and environmental benefit by improving the safety on detecting, handling and storing H2. This is a project supported under the sensor initiative NSF 05-526.