The increasing significance of hydrogen (H₂) gas as a clean energy source has prompted the development of high-performance H₂ gas sensors. Palladium (Pd)-based sensors, with their advantages of selectivity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, have shown promise in this regard. However, the long-term stability and reliability of Pd-based sensors remain a challenge. This study not only identifies the exact cause for performance degradation in palladium (Pd) nanowire H₂ sensors, but also implements and optimizes a cost-effective recovery method. The results from density functional theory (DFT) calculations and material analysis confirm the presence of C = O bonds, indicating performance degradation due to carbon dioxide (CO₂) accumulation on the Pd surface. Based on the molecular behavior calculation in high temperatures, we optimized the thermal treatment method of 200℃ for 10 minutes to remove the C = O contaminants, resulting in nearly 100% recovery of the sensor’s initial performance even after 2 months of contamination. 

* Reference

- Authors (Pusan National University)

· Min-Ho Seo (School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering)

· Joonhee Kang (Department of Nanoenergy Engineering)  

· Ki-Hoon Kim (Department of Information Convergence Engineering)

- Title of original paper: Long-term reliable wireless H₂ gas sensor via repeatable thermal refreshing of palladium nanowire 

- Journal: Nature Communications

- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53080-0