Ultra-low Pd chemiresistive hydrogen sensor through the reverse sintering of Pd nanoparticles on the metal-organic framework ZIF-8
摘要
Optimizing metal nanoparticles (NPs) efficiency through uniform dispersion and downsizing to smaller clusters/atoms holds substantial potential to enhance catalytic activity, thereby improving the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor. Herein, we report an ultra-high dispersion of Pd (downsized to <1 nm), achieved by synthesizing Pd/NC-ZnO via a reverse sintering route derived from Pd@ZIF-8. As a proof-of concept, uniform dispersion of Pd in Pd/NC-ZnO demonstrated a chemiresistive hydrogen (H2) sensor with response of 4.6 ± 0.2% and response/recovery times of 6.1 ± 0.3/5.8 ± 0.3 s, respectively towards 1% H2 at 120 °C, while Pd@ZIF-8, the precursor material remained innocent for sensing H2. The sensor exhibited selective detection towards H2 among typically interfering gases and was active for sensing at room temperature despite low loading of Pd (0.09 wt.%). This work highlights judicious usage of Pd by means of high dispersion and small-sized clusters/atoms stabilized by ideal supports to achieve low-cost, rapid H2 sensors.
Graphical abstractDespite low Pd loading (0.09 wt.%), ultra-high dispersion of Pd through reverse sintering from Pd@ZIF-8 enabled low-cost and rapid H2 detection. The sensor Pd/NC-ZnO showed selective detection towards H2 among typically interfering gases and was active for sensing at room temperature.