1D nanowires are of tremendous relevance for gas-sensing technologies due to their large surface-to-volume ratio and efficient electronic transportation routes. In an article published in the journal ACS Applied Nano Materials, colloidal solvothermal synthesis of super-thin palladium nanowires (PdNWs) has been reported for use in rapid, sensitive H2 sensor devices.
Study: Ultrathin Palladium Nanowires for Fast and Hysteresis-Free H2 Sensing. Image Credit: Alexander Limbach/Shutterstock.com
The Undeniable Importance of Hydrogen Sensing
Hydrogen (H2) is a colorless, tasteless gas with a large energy density frequently regarded as a more environmentally friendly and renewable substitute to traditional power sources like fossil fuels. As such, hydrogen is often placed at the heart of a futuristic energy systems where it answers any and all power demands ranging from transport to household heating and electric power production.
Hydrogen is, however, an extremely combustible element with a smaller explosive threshold of 4 % in the atmosphere, a lower igniting energy, and a high penetration through various substances. Sensory technologies that detect hydrogen quickly and reliably are necessary because of its extremely combustible nature and tendency to generate an explosive combination in air. Such detectors ought to be power efficient, minimal in expense, and most significantly, capable of detecting hydrogen in a timely and dependable manner.
Palladium-based Chemiresistive Sensors are the Hydrogen Sensors of Choice
Although not every single criterion for hydrogen detectors have been set, significant endeavors have been made to meet the goal of one second reaction period to 1% hydrogen. So far, some optical hydrogen detectors have managed to achieve this but their the total cost of constructing optical hydrogen detectors remains expensive.
Chemiresistive detectors are favored over other forms of hydrogen detectors due to their inexpensive price and simplicity of production, and also their easy-to-read outputs. Among chemiresistive sensing elements, palladium (Pd) is favored for ambient temperature hydrogen sensing due to its distinctive capability to reversibly and selectively produce PdHx in the presence of hydrogen at ambient settings.
What is the Best Synthesis Method for One-Dimensional Nanowires for H2 Sensing?
1D nanowires offer considerable benefits for gas-sensing technologies. Although earlier identified lithography-synthesized palladium nanowires (PdNWs) for hydrogen detection have an increased surface-to-volume ratio and excellent electrical characteristics, they do not inherently possess high catalytic activity and may necessitate additional adjustments to enhance their output. Furthermore, the size of lithographically manufactured palladium nanowires is constrained by manufacturing capacities, which restricts their capability.
The lithographic synthesis of palladium nanowires with diameters of
