High-Resolution, Fast, and Shape-Conformable Hydrogen Sensor Platform: Polymer Nanofiber Yarn Coupled with Nanograined Pd@Pt

Abstract

We report a flexible hydrogen sensing platform based on a single-strand yarn consisting of high-density electrospun nanofibers, on which nanograined Pd or Pd@Pt is coated via yarn spinning followed by sputter deposition. In general, Pd undergoes a phase transition to PdHx (α-PdHx at [H2] < 1% and β-PdHx at [H2] > 2%), in which H atoms act as electron scattering centers, thus increasing the resistance. In our system, the sensors exhibit switchable H2 sensing behaviors, that is, (i) ΔR/R0 > 0 at [H2] > 1% by the active electron scattering and (ii) ΔR/R0 < 0 at [H2] < 1% derived from nanograined Pd effects. Due to high mechanical stability stemming from nanogranular morphologies of Pd, which is essential for enduring a huge volume expansion upon exposure to high-concentration H2, we could obtain a wide concentration range (4-0.0001%) H2 detection resolution. Moreover, an ultrathin Pt overlayer coated on Pd offers an accelerated H2 detection capability based on effective gas dissociation and activation properties. Furthermore, by virtue of the core (thread)-shell (nanofiber yarn) scaffold, long cycling reliability and flexibility were achieved. This facile and low-cost yarn fabrication method offers the development of single-strand thread-type wearable chemiresistors that possess a high surface area and open porosity, facilitating gas diffusion and reaction. © 2019 American Chemical Society.