Fast and reversible hydrogen sensing properties of Pd-capped Mg ultra-thin films modified by hydrophobic alumina substrates

This work reports on the hydrogen sensing abilities of palladium (Pd)-capped magnesium (Mg) bimetallic ultra-thin films, which were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering. The metal loading and the composition of the quantum-sized Pd-capped Mg nanoparticles (NPs) were carefully controlled by varying the deposition conditions of the RF magnetron sputtering system. The as-fabricated structure shows hydrogenation at room temperature and dehydrogenation at increased temperatures. The change in electrical resistance during the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation process is found to be reversible. Along with this, the as-fabricated sensor also showed remarkable advantages, such as a large detection range (1-40,000 ppm) and fast response time. For a 10,000 ppm (1 vol.%) H-2 concentration at room temperature, a response time of 6s was observed. The fabricated sensor also exhibited good selectivity and a negligible humidity effect over the entire detection range. These Pd-capped Mg bimetallic ultra-thin films deposited on alumina (Al2O3) substrates can be used as a fast response, affordable, and low-temperature hydrogen sensing material. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.