Development of an ultrasensitive plasmonic hydrogen sensor

PhaseLab Instrument was co-founded in August 2018 by a team of French-Taiwanese researchers, in collaboration with the University of Technology of Troyes and two researchers from the National Taiwan University.
www.phaselabinstrument.com

www.utt.fr

Ambition: Creating a compact, plasmonic-technology-based optical sensor for hydrogen trace detection, both highly sensitive and fast, intended for potential industrial use.

We will make and test SPR chips for amplified, real-time H2 detection. A first compact prototype
has already been built: Do not hesitate to contact us for a detailed presentation.

Context: Hydrogen detection is of paramount importance, both scientifically and industrially, requiring the development of sensors that surpass the current state of the art, whether in terms of cost, sensitivity, or deployability. Infrared spectroscopy, known for its effectiveness in gas detection, is not applicable to hydrogen due to its lack of an infrared signature. Over the past few decades, numerous hydrogen sensors have then been proposed. However, the quest for improved efficiency continually leads to significant developments, as evidenced by various reviews (e.g., [1-3]).

In particular, the development of lightweight sensors (~1kg) capable of in-situ, rapid (in seconds), simple detection of sub-ppm concentrations that can be operated remotely is a challenge that is not fully met today. To successfully carry out this project, Hydrochip brings together L2n and the Lynna labcom, benefiting from technology co-developed with PhaseLab Instrument, focusing on compact
interferometric SPR measurement. (Surface Plasmon Resonance), and may leverage expertise in remote sensing and dedicated gas test setups from the Labcom*. A scientific challenge being tackled herein is the development of the chip itself, comprised of metal layers capable of easily and reversibly absorbing hydrogen (Palladium nanolayer). This approach is the subject of several recent studies[4-6] often conducted in the presence of a neutral carrier gas. Hence, a
key issue is to adapt this technology to operate in the presence of a realistic gas mixture containing
humidity and oxygen. [7].

To prevent residual oxidation of ultra-thin protective layers, which are hydrogen-permeable materials appear highly promising. 2D-Graphene for example is an interesting candidate because defect-free Graphene is an exceptionally effective barrier against most gases, with a notable exception being hydrogen [8-9]

. Other approaches, such as single layers of alumina that we have recently worked on,
have great potential to facilitate this transition towards industrial measurements and will be tested.

Main tasks in synergy with the involved researchers:
- Optical simulation of the multilayer stack with the PdHx refractive index (stœchiométrie-dépendant)
- Adaptation of existing interferometric SPR systems for gas measurement
- Nano-fabrication of chips (thin films) followed by in-situ testing for telemetry measurements.

References:
[1] Hübert, Thomas, et al. "Hydrogen sensors–a review." Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical 157.2 (2011): 329-352.
[2] Chauhan PS, Bhattacharya S. Hydrogen gas sensing methods, materials, and approach to achieve parts per billion level detection: A review. International journal of hydrogen energy. 2019 Oct 4;44(47):26076-99.
[3] Shen, Changyu, et al. "Review of the Status and Prospects of Fiber Optic Hydrogen Sensing Technology." Chemosensors
11.9 (2023): 473.
[4] Boruah, R., et al. "Inverse surface plasmon resonance based effective hydrogen sensing using nanoscale palladium films." Optical Materials 39 (2015): 273-277.
[5] Hamidi, S. M., Ramezani, R., & Bananej, A. (2016). Hydrogen gas sensor based on long-range surface plasmons in lossy
palladium film placed on photonic crystal stack. Optical Materials, 53, 201-208.
[6] Zhang, Z., Song, G., Duan, G. and Lang, P., (202)2. Highly integrated hydrogen sensor based on inverse surface plasmon polaritons. Europhysics Letters, 140(6), p.65002.
[7] William L. Watkins. Study and development of localised surface plasmon resonance based sensors using anisotropic spectroscopy. Chemical Physics [physics.chem-ph]. Sorbonne Université, 2018. E
[8] Bartolomei, Massimiliano, et al. "Permeation of chemisorbed hydrogen through graphene: A flipping mechanism elucidated." Carbon 178 (2021): 718-727.
[9] Web article from Manchester university: "How impermeable is the impermeable graphene? "

*Labcom Lynna: Laboratoire d’analyses innovantes pour les émissions atmosphériques . Laboratoire commun entre l’URCA-
GSMA/Total énergie

Profil technique niveau master ou ingénieur dans les domaines de la mesure physique, instrumentation, ingenierie ou apparenté.