Hydrogen sensing method refined: A research team from Qatar University (QU) has created a new eco-friendly material that can detect hydrogen gas in the air at different concentrations and temperatures quickly and with high selectivity, Alsharq writes. The researchers used a new method to synthesize the material without using hazardous chemicals or organic solvents. The sensing material can be produced in large quantities at room temperature, making the process both energy and cost efficient.

Why does this matter? Accurately sensing and measuring hydrogen concentrations is important for the safe use of hydrogen fuel — especially as hydrogen is much lighter than air allowing for a rapid dispersal of the fuel in case of a leak — and therefore will be a crucial element in the energy transition, Open Access News writes. While hydrogen is a non-toxic fuel, it is highly flammable and can be dangerous, especially if a continued leak leads to the concentration of the gas.

Safety concerns: Given that the International Energy Agency has identified that the world will need to produce 520MT of clean hydrogen annually by 2050 to reach net zero, safety will be a major challenge for hydrogen proponents, especially as hydrogen’s properties make it difficult to detect using traditional infrared sensors, Open Access News added.

How did they do it? The material is made of hollow nanocages of palladium and a mixture of palladium and platinum, which have a core-shell nanostructure and have physical and chemical properties for catalytic reactions and hydrogen absorption. The team used a green method to make the nanomaterial that can produce several grams at once at room temperature.

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