Pd decorated ZnO nanosheets for enhanced hydrogen sensing performance

Abstract

AbstractWith the exhaustion of fossil energy, hydrogen (H2), as a kind of clean energy with extensive source and high calorific value, has attracted great attention. However, in the process of H2preparation, transportation and storage, safety accidents such as leakage and explosion often occur, which greatly hinders the development and utilization of H2. Therefore, fast and accurate detection of H2plays an important role in H2industry. Based on this, we have synthesized two-dimensional (2D) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanosheets by hydrothermal method, and further optimized its sensing performance through Pd modification. H2sensitivity test results show that Pd load can greatly enhance the sensing performance of 2D ZnO materials. At 160°C, the sensing response of Pd load ZnO sensitive materials (PZO) towards H2(100 ppm) is 17.6, which is much higher than the pure ZnO nanosheets (3.2). Additionly, the H2sensing performance of the prepared gas sensor did not change significantly during the 30-days test, showing excellent stability. The H2sensing mechanism of PZO sensitive materials is mainly attributed to the synergistic mechanism of Pd catalytic site and oxygen vacancy (OV). Therefore, the synthesized PZO sensitive material provides an effective strategy for the preparation of high-performance H2sensors.