Solid-state amperometric hydrogen sensor based on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Abstract

An amperometric hydrogen sensor of whole solid-state has been fabricated. The sensor based on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) uses Nafion membrane as proton-conducting solid polymer electrolyte (SPE). It adopts three-electrode mode that consists of three gas-diffusion electrodes. The sensor can work at ambient temperature. When a fixed potential of 0.15 V is imposed on the sensor, the steady-state currents respond linearly to the concentrations of hydrogen from 560 to 11,500 ppm (v/v). The factors that influence the performance of the sensor are investigated and discussed. The simple miniature hydrogen sensor prepared shows good sensitivity, short response time, wide linear range and long-term stability. It can be used to monitor hydrogen concentrations in gas mixtures on-line. If the sensor is improved to achieve a lower detection limit, it may be applied to detect hydrogen in aqueous solution.