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Detect Hydrogen with Tape, Polymers, or Ceramics

Technology Benefits

Matrix variations can be flammable resistent Practical and low-cost gas sensor Faster discoloration reaction Can operate over a wider ambient temperature range Less affected by weather and environmental contaminents and / or presence of other reactive gases

Technology Application

Used for encapsulating hydrogen detection pigments to make such sensors to respond to hydrogen rapidly, with greater sensitivity, and increased durability.

Detailed Technology Description

Hydrogen gas is used in fuel cells, electric vehicles, and NASA rockets. It is odorless, colorless and highly flammable, with a lower flammability limit of 4% in the air. Therefore, when storing and transporting hydrogen, it is important that leaks are immediately detected. One common method for detecting hydrogen gas leaks is the use of palladium metal based sensors. Unfortunately, sensors based on palladium alloys require a high operating temperature (200˚C) and even higher temperatures (500˚C) to reactivate the sensing material. Palladium alloys are also sensitive to other gases commonly found in the atmosphere such as water vapor, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide.

Supplementary Information

Patent Number: US8048384B1
Application Number: US2010872090A
Inventor: Bokerman, Gary | Tabatabaie-Raissi, Ali | Muradov, Nazim
Priority Date: 31 Aug 2010
Priority Number: US8048384B1
Application Date: 31 Aug 2010
Publication Date: 1 Nov 2011
IPC Current: G01N002175 | G01N003122 | G01N003352 | G01N000700 | G01N002176 | G01N0033497
US Class: 422400 | 0730232 | 07303105 | 07303106 | 422052
Assignee Applicant: University of Central Florida Research Foundation Inc.lando
Title: Chemochromic hydrogen sensors
Usefulness: Chemochromic hydrogen sensors
Summary: Two layer chemochromic hydrogen sensor i.e. irreversible color changing sensor (claimed), for a fossil-based transportation fuel application. Uses include but are not limited to a space vehicle application i.e. automobile application, transportation application, oil refineries and chemical plants.
Novelty: Two layer chemochromic hydrogen sensor i.e. irreversible color changing sensor, for e.g. fossil-based transportation fuel application, has composite layer provided with supports that include platinum group metal compound

Industry

Measurement/Testing

Sub Category

Measurement Tool

*Abstract

UCF scientists have created a new gas permeable matrix that protectively encapsulates active chemochromic compounds able to detect small amounts of a specific target gas. This matrix enhances the sensitivity of hydrogen detecting pigments and functions at a range of temperatures as low as -40˚C. Interference and false positives due to the presence of other reducing gases such as carbon monoxide and water vapor are significantly reduced. Pigment formulations have been created to allow the color change to be reversible once the gas leak is repaired. The color change process, and thereby regenerating the sensor, is both quick and easy. The final enhancement of sensitivity comes from selected additives which give deeper color changes and faster reaction times.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Dr. Gary Bokerman

Department:

Name: Dr. Nahid Mohajeri

Department: FSEC

Name: Dr. Nazim Muradov

Department: FSEC

Name: Dr. Ali Raissi

Department: FSEC

Country/Region

USA