Abstract
The increasing significance of hydrogen (H2) gas as a clean energy source has prompted the development of high-performance H2 gas sensors. Palladium (Pd)-based sensors, with their advantages of selectivity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, have shown promise in this regard. However, the long-term stability and reliability of Pd-based sensors remain a challenge. This study not only investigates the performance degradation observed in palladium (Pd) nanowire H2 sensors with extended use, but also proposes a cost-effective and simple recovery method. The results from density functional theory (DFT) calculations and material analysis confirm the presence of C = O bonds, indicating performance degradation due to carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation on the Pd surface. Based on the molecular behavior calculation in high temperatures, we proposed an optimized thermal treatment method of 200°C for 10 minutes to remove the C = O contaminants, resulting in nearly 100% recovery of the sensor's initial performance even after 2 months of contamination.