Chemical sensors and switches for detecting hydrogen and palladium nanostructures and polyphenol films H2 have gained interest as an alternative fuel source. Its storage and detection are important for fuel cell applications where safety concerns arise because it is explosive above 4% volume in air. UofL researchers have demonstrated the combination of Pd electrodeposition and polyphenol electropolymerization at microgap electrode arrays for controlled H2 sensing and switching behavior. Applications: 1) Pd/H2 sensing and switching 2) Sensing nanoelectronics and molecular electronics applications. 3) energy Production (detecting hydrogen from fuel cells) Patent Status: U.S. patent application 12/609669; PCT/US09/62787
1) Simple to construct in a highly parallel fashion with a 100% success rate. 2) Electrodeposition process eliminates the need for the multistep process involving synthesis assembly and contact formation common in electronic-based nano-sensing devices. 3) High sensitivity for hydrogen detection (down to 0.11%) via an increase in resistance 4) Acts as a hydrogen switch with a seven-order of magnitude increase in current above 1.0% 5) Low cost mass-production can be achieved due to simple construction 6) Low power consumption (battery operation) 7) Fast response reproducibility and stability
US12609669 PCT/ US0962787