Organic Semiconductor Sensor Advances Hydrogen Detection Technology

A scientist from the University of Manchester has developed a compact, affordable organic semiconductor sensor capable of detecting minute quantities of hydrogen, addressing a significant safety challenge in the transition to clean energy systems.

The sensor, which outperforms commercial portable detectors in speed and sensitivity, functions from room temperature up to 120°C and could facilitate safer implementation of hydrogen across various sectors.

The innovative sensor technology, developed by Professor Thomas Anthopoulos of the University of Manchester in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), represents an advancement in hydrogen detection capabilities. Published in the journal Nature Electronics, the research demonstrates a solution to one of the key barriers to hydrogen adoption as an energy carrier.

“This sensor could offer a breakthrough in hydrogen safety technology,” said Anthopoulos, Professor of Emerging Optoelectronics at Manchester. “By combining affordability, reliability, and high performance, it has the potential to transform how we handle hydrogen across industries, homes, and transportation.”

Hydrogen presents unique safety challenges as it is colourless, odourless, and highly flammable, making it difficult to detect using human senses. Efficient detection systems are essential for safely implementing hydrogen technologies in energy systems, particularly as the world seeks alternatives to fossil fuels.

The sensor’s functionality is based on a process known as ‘p-doping,’ where oxygen molecules increase the concentration of positive electrical charges in the active material of the organic semiconductor. When hydrogen is present in the environment, it reacts with the oxygen molecules in the sensor material, reversing the p-doping effect.

This interaction causes a measurable and rapid decrease in electrical current through the semiconductor material. The change in electrical properties occurs quickly and is completely reversible, allowing for continuous monitoring applications. The sensor maintains its functionality across a wide temperature range, from ambient room temperature up to 120°C, enhancing its versatility for various operating environments.

The technical approach leverages fundamental principles of semiconductor physics while achieving high sensitivity through the specific interaction between hydrogen, oxygen, and the organic semiconductor material. This combination enables the detection of even small quantities of hydrogen in seconds, providing early warning of potential leaks.

The organic semiconductor sensor demonstrates several key performance advantages compared to existing detection technologies:

• Rapid response time, detecting hydrogen presence in seconds
• High sensitivity to low concentrations of hydrogen
• Operational temperature ranges from room temperature to 120°C
• Completely reversible sensing mechanism for continuous monitoring
• Low power consumption requirements
• Compact and potentially flexible form factor
• Cost-effective manufacturing potential

According to the research team, the sensor performed faster than commercial portable hydrogen detectors in comparative testing, suggesting significant potential for practical applications.

The research team evaluated the sensor in multiple practical scenarios to validate its performance under conditions simulating actual use cases:

• Detection of hydrogen leaks from pipes, simulating industrial or domestic gas infrastructure
• Monitoring hydrogen diffusion patterns in enclosed spaces following sudden release events
• Airborne detection capabilities by mounting sensors on drones for remote monitoring

These tests demonstrated the sensor’s practical utility for safety monitoring across various environments. The organic semiconductor sensor exhibited faster response times in each testing scenario than comparable commercial detection equipment, highlighting its potential for early warning systems.

The ability to rapidly detect hydrogen leaks is critical in confined spaces where hydrogen could accumulate to dangerous concentrations. The sensor’s quick response provides valuable time for implementing safety measures before concentrations reach hazardous levels.

The organic semiconductor technology offers several advantages for future integration into comprehensive hydrogen monitoring systems. According to the researchers, the sensor can be manufactured in ultra-thin, flexible configurations, enabling integration into diverse application environments.

This flexibility allows for incorporating hydrogen detection capabilities into smart devices and systems, enabling distributed real-time monitoring networks across hydrogen infrastructure. Such networks could provide continuous safety oversight for hydrogen systems in production facilities, storage installations, transportation networks, and consumer applications.

The research team further advances the sensor technology while evaluating its long-term stability under various operating conditions and sensing scenarios. This ongoing development aims to address any potential durability or performance consistency limitations that might affect practical deployment.

Developing more effective hydrogen detection technologies addresses one of the key technical barriers to broader hydrogen adoption in energy systems. By enhancing safety monitoring capabilities, such sensors could facilitate more confident deployment of hydrogen technologies across multiple sectors.

As clean energy transitions progress, hydrogen is increasingly viewed as a potential energy carrier for applications ranging from industrial processes to transportation and possibly residential energy systems. Each of these applications requires robust safety systems, particularly for leak detection.

If the Manchester team’s sensor technology proves durable in long-term testing and can be manufactured at scale, it could build public trust in hydrogen technologies. Enhanced safety systems represent an essential component of the technical infrastructure required to support hydrogen economy development.

While the sensor addresses only one aspect of the comprehensive safety requirements for hydrogen systems, reliable detection represents a fundamental building block for broader implementation. By providing early warning of potential leaks or releases, such technologies help mitigate one of the primary risks associated with hydrogen handling.