Palladium Nanowires Synthesized Via Templated Solid State Reduction for H2 Detection

Pd nanowires have shown enhanced electrochemical detection of H₂ than the bulk due to higher surface to volume ratio. Here we show the results for ~5 nm Pd nanowires synthesized using zeolites as templates through a solid-state reduction method developed at our laboratory. After template removal, the Pd complex was characterized using TEM and hydrogen adsorption isotherms. Then it was deposited on a silicon based interdigitated electrode with platinum electrodes. The sensor showed the characteristic increase in resistance of bulk sensors, but with a mean response time of 10.12 seconds and sensitivity of 33% with exposure to 1% v/v H₂ that is orders of magnitude better than bulk sensors with recovery of the baseline. The hydrogen adsorption isotherm showed an α to β phase transition characteristic of nanoscale Pd.