This photo provided by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology shows a newly-developed hydrogen leak detection sensor.
SEOUL, Aug. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korean scientists have developed a new sensor technology that simplifies the detection of hydrogen leaks through color changes.
Until now, hydrogen leaks have been detected using resistive or electrochemical sensors.
However, these sensors are bulky, expensive, and only provide density information, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
A joint research team from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Korea University focused their attention on palladium, a substance known for its ability to readily absorb hydrogen, acting as a catalyst for the combination of hydrogen and oxygen.
The research team created a sensor wrapped in a polymer film, allowing only the passage of hydrogen and oxygen, with a palladium film to form a nanometer-thick layer of water on the film’s surface.
The presence of the water layer affects the sensor’s light reflection, leading to a change in the sensor’s color.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
