Pt/WO3 Nanoparticle-Dispersed Polydimethylsiloxane Membranes for Transparent and Flexible Hydrogen Gas Leakage Sensors

Abstract

Hydrogen gas is a promising, clean, and highly efficient energy source. However, to use combustible H2 gas safety, high-performance and safe gas leakage sensors are required. In this study, transparent and flexible platinum-catalyst-loaded tungsten trioxide (Pt/WO3) nanoparticle-dispersed membranes were prepared as H2 gas leakage sensors. The nanoparticle-dispersed membrane with a Pt:W compositional ratio of 1:13 was transparent and exhibited a sufficient color change in response to H2 gas. The membrane containing 0.75 wt.% of Pt/WO3 nanoparticles exhibited high transparency over a wide wavelength range and the largest transmittance change in response to H2 gas among the others. The heat treatment of the particles at 573 K provided sufficient crystallinity and an accessible area for a gasochromic reaction, resulting in a rapid and sensitive response to the presence of H2 gas. The lower limit of detection of the optimized Pt/WO3 nanoparticle-dispersed membrane by naked eye was 0.4%, which was one-tenth of the minimum explosive concentration. This novel membrane was transparent as well as flexible and exhibited a clear and rapid color response to H2. Therefore, it is an ideal candidate sensor for the safe and easy detection of H2 gas leakage.

Rainbow‐Colored Carbon Nanotubes via Rational Surface Engineering for Smart Visualized Sensors

“…WO 3 is considered a promising optical hydrogen sensor for various applications owing to its high optical modulation rate, high coloring efficiency, excellent cycling stability, and low raw material cost. [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ] To achieve smart color tunability for the CNTs, a trilayer structure of W, WO 3 , and Pd layers was deposited in sequence onto the CNTs, creating the CNT/W/WO 3 /Pd structure. This structure included an ultrathin Pd layer with a thickness of ≈ 5 nm sputtered on top of the WO 3 layer, which acted as a catalyst for hydrogen spillover and storage ( Figure 3 a ).…”

“…As is well known, gasochromic materials or sensors can make invisible hydrogen gas visible to the naked eye without electricity or complex equipment. [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ] Thus, endowing CNTs with stimuli‐responsive chromatic properties may allow these materials to be used in promising applications, such as on CNT‐reinforced hydrogen tanks to provide a visual warning of hydrogen leaks and prevent fires and explosions.…”

Gasochromic Hydrogen Sensors: Fundamentals, Recent Advances, and Perspectives

“…Ishihara et al also used PDMS to obtain highly dispersed Pt/WO 3 gasochromic materials, thus realizing transparent and flexible hydrogen sensors. (37) After obtaining an optimized molar ratio of Pt/W of 1:13, they investigated the effects of the Pt/WO 3 content and heating temperature on hydrogen sensing performances. The results revealed that increasing the Pt/WO 3 nanoparticle content decreased transparency and led to a shorter coloration time.…”

“…Third, gasochromic hydrogen sensors are usually inexpensive and can meet the price target of DOE. (37) Therefore, research into gasochromic hydrogen sensing has attracted ever-increasing attention.…”

Highly Selective and Humidity-Resistant Triethylamine Sensors Based on Pt and Cr2O3 Nanoparticles

“…So, chromium oxide is a promising triethylamine sensing material . In addition, surface modification of MOS is with precious metals (Pt, Pd, Au, and Ag). Chemical sensitization and electronic sensitization of precious metals can effectively improve the gas response of MOS.…”