A novel Pd nanocube–graphene hybrid for hydrogen detection

Abstract

Graphene-supported palladium (Pd) nanocubes were synthesized via a simple chemical method for use in hydrogen detection. Pd nanocubes were synthesized by a two-step chemical route (seed-mediated growth). Highly uniform colloidal Pd nanocubes with a size of 70nm were simply reduced into graphene flakes by hydrazine in a facile one-step reaction. The resulting Pd nanocube–graphene hybrids were applied as novel hydrogen detection materials with high response and good selectivity. The resistivity-type sensor used with the Pd cube–graphene had a detectable range from 6 to 1000ppm with good linearity at room temperature. In comparison with the H2 sensor based on a pure Pd cube, the Pd cube–graphene had enhanced response, linearity, and stability. Moreover, the novel H2 sensor based on Pd cube–graphene showed two-fold higher response than our previously reported Pd nanoparticle–graphene composite.