Ultrasensitive gas sensor based on Pd/SnS2/SnO2 nanocomposites for rapid detection of H2

With the emergence of hydrogen economy worldwide and the increase of safety problems caused by the highly flammable and explosive characteristics of hydrogen (H 2 ), it is urgent to develop the portable sensors that can sensitively and quickly detect H 2 leaks. In this work, the H 2 sensing characteristics of Pd/SnS 2 /SnO 2 nanocomposites synthesized via hydrothermal route as well as impregnation route were systematically investigated for the first time. The influence of different SnS 2 and Pd loading on the H 2 sensing performances of SnO 2 nanoparticles was revealed by varying the addition levels of thiourea and palladium chloride. The H 2 sensing experimental results demonstrated that SnS 2 and Pd modification can greatly enhance the sensing capabilities of SnO 2 , where 1.0 at% Pd/SnS 2 /SnO 2 sensor exhibited high response (95) and rapid response/recovery time (1/9 s) to 500 ppm H 2 at 300 ℃, thus outperforming the current reported sensing performances of SnO 2 -based H 2 sensors. The superior sensing characteristics of Pd/SnS 2 /SnO 2 were attributed to the simultaneous synergistic effect of the three components. This study will supply a rational strategy for designing high sensitive and rapid response H 2 sensors.