Fiber Optic Hydrogen Sensors Based on Nano-sized Metal Alloys

72413S03-I In an energy industry that is rapidly moving towards the utilization of hydrogen as a clean and cost-effective fuel for transportation applications, a sensor to detect the concentration of hydrogen for process control and safety purposes is of prime importance. The ideal sensor will be low cost, able to respond rapidly, immune to interference and poisoning, and intrinsically safe in potential explosive mixtures. In addition, because applications for hydrogen sensors span dilute to concentrated mixtures, the sensors must have a large dynamic range. This project will develop a low cost, board level, fiber-optic hydrogen sensor system based on the chemo-optical properties of nano-sized metal alloys. The specially engineered nano-sized metal particles should dramatically reduce response time, improve sensitivity, and increase the resistance to poisoning and interference. In Phase I, the new sensing material will be combined with a side-polished fiber-optic platform to produce the sensing elements. The side-polished fiberoptic platform offers the advantages of manufacturability and small form factor that are highly desirable for large-scale deployment. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: A compact, inexpensive, high performance, and intrinsically safe hydrogen sensor system should be suitable for deployment in hydrogen fuel cell powered automobiles, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the vehicle.