New butterfly-inspired hydrogen sensor is powered by light

Light-activated sensor delivers precision results at room temperature: For medical applications and hydrogen economy

07-Dec-2020 - Australia

Inspired by the surface of butterfly wings, researchers have developed a light-activated hydrogen sensor that produces ultra-precise results at room temperature.

RMIT University

PhD researcher Ebtsam Alenezy holds a prototype of the light-activated hydrogen sensor, which can deliver ultra-precise results at room temperature.

The technology can detect hydrogen leaks well before they pose safety risks and can measure tiny amounts of the gas on people's breath, for diagnosing gut disorders.

Commercial hydrogen sensors only work at temperatures of 150C or higher, but the prototype developed by researchers at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, is powered by light instead of heat.

The sensor, based on bumpy microstructures that imitate the surface of butterfly wings, is detailed in a new study published in the journal ACS Sensors.

Co-lead researcher Dr Ylias Sabri said the prototype was scalable, cost-effective and offered a total package of features that could not be matched by any hydrogen sensor currently on the market.

"Some sensors can measure tiny amounts, others can detect larger concentrations; they all need a lot of heat to work," Sabri said.

"Our hydrogen sensor can do it all - it's sensitive, selective, works at room temperature and can detect across a full range of levels."

The sensor can detect hydrogen at concentrations from as little as 10 parts per million molecules (for medical diagnoses) to 40,000 parts per million (the level where the gas becomes potentially explosive).

Co-lead researcher Dr Ahmad Kandjani said the broad detection range made it ideal for both medical use and boosting safety in the emerging hydrogen economy.

"Hydrogen has potential to be the fuel of the future but we know safety fears could affect public confidence in this renewable energy source," he said.

"By delivering precise and reliable sensing technology that can detect the tiniest of leaks, well before they become dangerous, we hope to contribute to advancing a hydrogen economy that can transform energy supplies around the world."

Butterfly bumps: How the sensor works

The innovative core of the new sensor is made up of tiny spheres known as photonic or colloidal crystals.

These hollow shapes, similar to the miniscule bumps found on the surface of butterfly wings, are highly ordered structures that are ultra-efficient at absorbing light.

That efficiency means the new sensor can draw all the energy it needs to operate from a beam of light, rather than from heat.

PhD researcher and first author Ebtsam Alenezy said the room-temperature sensor was safer and cheaper to run, compared to commercial hydrogen sensors that typically operate at 150C to 400C.

"The photonic crystals enable our sensor to be activated by light and they also provide the structural consistency that's critical for reliable gas sensing," she said.

"Having a consistent structure, consistent fabrication quality and consistent results are vital - and that's what nature has delivered for us through these bioinspired shapes.

"The well-developed fabrication process for photonic crystals also means our technology is easily scalable to industrial levels, as hundreds of sensors could be rapidly produced at once."

To make the sensor, an electronic chip is first covered with a thin layer of photonic crystals and then with a titanium palladium composite.

When hydrogen interacts with the chip, the gas is converted into water. This process creates an electronic current and by measuring the magnitude of the current, the sensor can tell precisely how much hydrogen is present.

Unlike many commercial sensors that struggle in the presence of nitrogen oxide, the new technology is highly selective so it can accurately isolate hydrogen from other gases.

Medical applications

With elevated levels of hydrogen known to be connected to gastrointestinal disorders, the technology has strong potential for use in medical diagnosis and monitoring.

Currently, the standard diagnostic approach is through breath samples, which are sent to labs for processing.

Sabri said the new chip could be integrated into a hand-held device to deliver instant results.

"With gut conditions, the difference between healthy levels of hydrogen and unhealthy levels is miniscule - just 10 parts per million - but our sensor can accurately measure such tiny differences," he said.

A provisional patent application has been filed for the technology and the research team hopes to collaborate with manufacturers of hydrogen sensors, fuel cells, batteries or medical diagnostic companies to commercialise the sensor.

Original publication

Other news from the department science

These products might interest you

SprayMaster inspex

SprayMaster inspex by LaVision

Quality Control for Your Spraying Process Through Digital Spray and Particle Analysis

Reliable, Automated, Digital - The Geometry Measurement of Your Spraying Process in Real Time

spray analysis systems
VEGAPULS | VEGABAR | VEGASWING

VEGAPULS | VEGABAR | VEGASWING by VEGA Grieshaber

Cyber-safe level measurement - here's how it works

Find out more about the unique sensor for liquid and solid media

level measurement technology
FireSting-PRO

FireSting-PRO by PyroScience

New fiber optic measuring device: Precise measurements even in the smallest volumes

Measure pH, oxygen and temperature even under sterile conditions

measuring instruments
Loading...

Most read news

More news from our other portals

So close that even
molecules turn red...

See the theme worlds for related content

Topic world Sensor technology

Sensor technology has revolutionized the chemical industry by providing accurate, timely and reliable data across a wide range of processes. From monitoring critical parameters in production lines to early detection of potential malfunctions or hazards, sensors are the silent sentinels that ensure quality, efficiency and safety.

4 products
1 whitepaper
4 brochures
View topic world
Topic world Sensor technology

Topic world Sensor technology

Sensor technology has revolutionized the chemical industry by providing accurate, timely and reliable data across a wide range of processes. From monitoring critical parameters in production lines to early detection of potential malfunctions or hazards, sensors are the silent sentinels that ensure quality, efficiency and safety.

4 products
1 whitepaper
4 brochures