Pd Alloy Nanosheet Inks for Inkjet‐Printable H2 Sensors on Paper

Abstract

Abstract2D palladium nanostructures enable sensitive room‐temperature detection of H2. However, they can be limited by stability and fabrication costs. Stability may be improved by alloying Pd with other metals, while cost could be reduced by using paper as a substrate. An ultra‐low‐cost sensor using Pd alloy (PdMoY) nanosheets (NS) on paper is reported. The 2D Pd alloy nanosheets are prepared by a solution‐phase route, drop cast onto paper (≈1 × 1 cm) with silver contacts drawn on it, and dried. The same material is deposited on an interdigitated electrode (IDE). Both sensors are tested for response to hydrogen in air. The resistance of the paper‐based sensor decreased by ≈18.7% in 1% H2, which is about 40 times the response of the IDE‐based sensor. Its H2 limit of detection (1 ppm) is also lower than that of the IDE‐based sensor (5 ppm). Compared to pristine Pd NS, PdMoY NS are more stable to repeated H2 pulses without any signs of buckling or cracks. The nanosheets are also deposited by inkjet printing to produce functional sensors, providing a simple route to manufacturing of ultra‐low‐cost gas sensors for use in fuel‐cell vehicles and related infrastructure.