Selective Hydrogen Monitoring Using Nanoparticle-Based Functional Sensors

Wed, 04/22/2015 - 12:00

USPN 9,696,256

Opportunity

Research is currently active on the patented technology titled, “Noble and Precious Metal Nanoparticle-Based Sensor Layers for Selective H2 Sensing.” This invention is available for licensing and/or further collaborative research from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory.

Overview

The ability to selectively sense hydrogen (H₂) is important for a broad range of applications spanning energy, defense, aviation, and aerospace. One of the most significant needs is for sensors that are capable of H₂ leak detection at levels up to the lower explosive limit (~4% in ambient air). Optical-based sensors offer distinct advantages for H₂ sensing including broadband wavelength and distributed interrogation compatibility, resistance to electromagnetic interference, and the elimination of electrical wires and contacts, which are commonly associated with sensor failure and a potential safety concern for application in explosive gas atmospheres.

Palladium (Pd) and Pd-alloy thin films are the most common materials used for optical H₂ sensing applications due to the dependence of the optical constants of Pd on ambient H₂ concentration. This invention describes the development and use of thin film functional sensor layers integrated with optical based waveguide sensors for H₂. The new sensor films consist of noble or precious metal nanoparticles such as Pd or Pd-alloys incorporated into a dielectric matrix to stabilize them while still providing access of H₂ to the nanoparticles for operation as a functional sensor element. The companion film is a largely transparent (i.e., non-absorptive) dielectric material in the wavelength range of interest that exhibits high stability under harsh chemical and high temperature conditions with extremely limited diffusion of species other than hydrogen. The new nanocomposite systems described in this invention have been shown to have high sensitivity and selectivity for H₂.

Pd nanoparticle-based H₂ sensing layers have a number of potential advantages as compared to continuous thin films including response time, sensitivity, and stability of the microstructure at high temperatures or during H₂ loading and unloading cycles as well as the ability to tune the optical constants of the sensing layer for optimal response in an optical sensing device platform.

Significance

Sensors allows for selectively, optical, and remote monitoring of H₂
Allows for distributed H₂ sensing in an enclosed environment
Provides the ability to use advanced sensor design and interrogation techniques for performing hydrogen sensing
Eliminates the need for expensive conductive electrical wires with insulation capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and environments
Sensors have reduced interference, surface poisoning, and cross-gas sensitivity

Applications

Hydrogen sensing for process monitoring and/or control processes including dissolved hydrogen sensing in transformer oil, leak detection, metallurgical processes, solid oxide fuel cells, gas turbines, and other combustion environments
Aviation/aerospace and industrial manufacturing processes
Monitoring of hydrogen in monolithic parts which have embedded optical fiber temperature sensors

SELECTIVE HYDROGEN MONITORING USING NANOPARTICLE-BASED FUNCTIONAL SENSORS

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