Nano-sized palladium particles elevate the performance of a new hydrogen microsensor to an unprecedented level, according to Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Nickolay Lavrik. The key innovation is based on the fact nano-sized palladium particles react very quickly to hydrogen gas. "Our hydrogen sensor consists of a silicon or silicon nitride cantilever transducer with a responsive coating, a gas flow system and an optical readout system," Lavrik said. As the palladium particles absorb hydrogen, their volume increases, causing the cantilever to bend, and a read laser instantly detects that movement. The ORNL hydrogen gas detector boasts far greater selectivity and lower cost than competing products.
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