Nanostructured Sensors for Detecting Low Levels of Hydrogen at Low Temperatures

这项研究的目的是开发高灵敏度、高选择性、快速响应和能够在低温下工作的先进的纳米结构氢传感器。最近对替代发电方法的研究已转向生产和储存氢气作为替代燃料，因为它是最环保的燃料。可以预见，氢气将成为为子孙后代提供能源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)，它与现有的任何其他燃料一样危险。因此，在氢能的所有方面，安全都是一个自然的问题。迫切需要超灵敏氢传感器来快速检测任何级别的氢气泄漏，例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太大，无法部署，而且响应非常慢。新兴的纳米传感器研究目前还处于早期阶段，但在快速检测和灵敏度领域显示出希望。PIS建议研究一种最近开发的新型Pd纳米管，初步结果表明该纳米管具有高选择性、高灵敏度和室温下的快速响应时间。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下和现场测试中进行氢气检测评估。开发和认证一种在室温下检测低水平氢气的纳米结构传感器，将通过提高检测、处理和储存氢气的安全性，立即产生经济和环境效益。这是一个传感器倡议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.