Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Palladium Nanostructured Ensemble Supported in Anodized Alumina Membranes for Hydrogen Sensing Applications

摘要

A Pd/Anodic alumina membrane (AAM) ensemble was formed by using Solid State Reduction. The ensemble consisted of Pd thin films on both sides of the AAM with connecting nanowires as evidenced by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Samples with 2.5%wt, 5%wt and 10% wt Pd were studied for applications in hydrogen sensing. X-ray diffraction was used to determine the concentration at which the α→β Pd phase transition occurred. All samples responded to hydrogen but the sample with 2.5% wt Pd was the most sensitive and had the most accurate results with minimal baseline drifting. Results show that solid-state reduction is a facile and economical alternative for making Pd sensor elements.