Strengthening Green Energy Sources in Canada: Optical Sensors for Safe Storage and Distribution of Hydrogen

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As a planet, we are witnessing an 'energy crisis' - with increasing rates of fossil fuel consumption, atmospheric CO2 continues to reach unprecedented levels, causing concern regarding climate change and ocean acidification. To ensure the well-being of future generations, it is imperative that we work to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and invest in alternative energy infrastructure. As a tangible outcome, progress in this arena would offer increased employment opportunities in the clean energy sector, asserting Canada's dominance in this field - important points of emphasis against a backdrop that has been painted by the global pandemic. Dihydrogen (H2) gas is a promising energy candidate that will serve as a utile tool for Canada in its bid to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 oC by 2050. H2 is a renewable energy source that produces zero net emissions and can be sourced from water. Despite interest in this alternative fuel, Canadian and International concern has highlighted inherent risks associated with use, stemming from its explosive nature and propensity to leak during transport/storage. Safe and efficient detection of H2 will be a major requirement in the adoption of H2 as a green energy source. Currently, there is a paucity of effective H2-detection/sensing methods that can be integrated in multiple point-of-use environments where H2 is needed, constraining application. The research proposed here connects a team of scientists from the University of Windsor with an Edmonton-based instrumentation manufacturer, Wilson Analytical Services (Inc.) to directly addresses this mission by developing novel detection instrumentation that enables H2 quantification. A team of experts has been assembled to tackle this problem, with interests in chemical synthesis, materials science, and analytical sensor development. These new materials will be integrated into a tailor-made platform that will be evaluated in laboratory and field environments alike to ensure accuracy, efficiency, sensitivity, and reliability. Ultimately, this NSERC Alliance Mission is consistent with Canada's Hydrogen Strategy developed in 2020 and will contribute to a new energy paradigm and create career opportunities nationwide.