A new hydrogen sensor, developed by scientists at the University of Manchester, promises to enhance safety and reliability in the transition to clean hydrogen energy.
As the world shifts toward cleaner energy, hydrogen is emerging as a key player in transitioning away from fossil fuels. However, its highly flammable and odorless nature presents significant safety challenges. Now, scientists at The University of Manchester have developed a groundbreaking hydrogen sensor that is small, affordable, and highly efficient, outperforming current commercial detectors.
The research, conducted in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, was published in Nature Electronics. The sensor can detect even trace amounts of hydrogen within seconds, making it a game-changer for industries, homes, and transportation networks relying on hydrogen technology.
“This sensor could offer a breakthrough in hydrogen safety technology,” said Professor Thomas Anthopoulos, an expert in Emerging Optoelectronics at The University of Manchester. “By combining affordability, reliability, and high performance, it has the potential to transform how we handle hydrogen across industries. I hope our organic sensor will help build trust in emerging hydrogen technologies, making them more accessible and safer for everyone.”
The sensor operates based on “p-doping,” a process where oxygen molecules increase the concentration of positive electrical charges in an organic semiconductor material. When hydrogen is present, it reacts with the oxygen, reversing the effect and causing a rapid drop in electrical current. This change is fast and reversible, functioning efficiently at room temperature up to 120°C.
Tested in real-world scenarios, the sensor successfully detected leaks from pipelines, monitored hydrogen diffusion in enclosed spaces, and even performed airborne leak detection when mounted on a drone. In every case, it outperformed conventional portable hydrogen detectors, highlighting its potential for widespread deployment.
Additionally, the sensor is ultra-thin and flexible, making it ideal for integration into smart devices for real-time monitoring of hydrogen systems. Researchers are now working to enhance the sensor’s performance and ensure long-term stability across different environments.
