Thermal-assisted resistive sensor based on the PdCr alloy thin film for sensitive detection of hydrogen isotopes in helium atmosphere

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 56; pp. 102 - 112
• Main Authors: Li, Mingzhao, Xiao, Chengjian, Ran, Guangming, Li, Jiamao, Wang, Junyan, Hou, Jingwei, Chen, Hao, Huang, Hongwen, Wang, Heyi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 22.02.2024
• Subjects: Hydrogen isotopes; PdCr alloy thin film; Resistive sensor; Thermal effect; PdCr alloy thin film; Hydrogen isotopes; Thermal effect; Resistive sensor
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.12.153

The detection of hydrogen isotopes is not only the premise of ensuring safety of hydrogen energy, but also has very important application value and scientific significance in the field of fusion energy. Therefore, it is imperative to develop efficient and reliable hydrogen isotope sensors. Herein, a thermal-assisted resistive sensor is constructed based on the hydrogen isotope effect of PdCr alloy thin film for sensitive detection of hydrogen isotopes in helium atmosphere. The permeation of hydrogen isotopes in palladium lattice is facilitated through thermal effect to improve the dynamic response capability of sensor. The research results show that the response time of sensor to hydrogen and deuterium is reduced from 192 s to 113 s–17 s and 10 s respectively. However, the sensitivity deteriorated by about 40% at 110 °C compared with room temperature. Meanwhile, the PdCr alloy thin film resistive sensor represents a remarkable linear response in a range of 0.1%–4% hydrogen and deuterium, with correlation coefficients of 0.9971 and 0.9998 respectively. And the response difference of hydrogen and deuterium may be utilized to discriminate hydrogen isotopes. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits prominent selectivity, extraordinary working stability and a wide range of 100ppm-100%. Therefore, this work presents a feasible approach to design high-performance resistive hydrogen isotope sensors for the development of hydrogen energy and fusion energy. Schematic illustrations of the PdCr alloy thin film resistive sensor (a), dynamic sensitivity curve to H2/He and D2/He (b) and the influence of thermal effect on hydrogen isotope permeation process (c). [Display omitted] •A thermal-assisted resistive sensor based on the PdCr alloy thin film is constructed.•The sensor exhibits rapid response/recovery performances and reversible characteristics.•The response difference of hydrogen and deuterium may be utilized to discriminate hydrogen isotopes.•This work presents a feasible approach to design high-performance hydrogen isotope sensors.