How can hydrogen energy be improved to enhance its capabilities as a reliable renewable energy source? This is what a recent study published in ACS Sensors hopes to address as a team of researchers led by the University of Missouri developed a novel hydrogen sensor that improves upon existing designs for detecting hydrogen leaks. This study has the potential to help researchers and engineers develop more efficient hydrogen energy products while ensuring safety and reliability.
For the study, the researchers designed and built a new type of hydrogen sensor that offers higher levels of sensitivity for detecting hydrogen leaks, improving upon longstanding models that lack sensitivity and longevity. The goal of this new sensor was to focus on specific parameters, including cost, sensitivity, and speed. Using a combination of ionic liquids, nickel, and platinum, the researchers developed a sensor that exceeds current models by providing high sensitivity with improved efficiency and longevity.
“Hydrogen can be tricky to detect since you can’t see it, smell it or taste it,” said Dr. Xiangqun Zeng, who is a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Missouri and a co-author on the study. “In general, our goal is to create sensors that are smaller, more affordable, highly sensitive and work continuously in real time.”
This study comes as renewable energy is rapidly increasing its popularity and use across the United States, and specifically with hydrogen energy applications including fuel cell systems, hydrogen storage, fueling stations, and transformer monitoring. Therefore, this study could help develop novel technologies for advancing the safety and efficiency of hydrogen energy.
How will this hydrogen sensor help advance hydrogen energy in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!
As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!
Sources: ACS Sensors, EurekAlert!
