High sensitivity detection of hydrogen/deuterium based on palladium top capped magnesium alloy thin films. (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Y.; Bao, S.; Zheng, J.; Jin, P.
• Is Part Of: Materials research innovations. Volume 18:Number 4(2014)
• Page Start: 601
• Page End: 605
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Recherche -- Périodiques; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1179/1432891714Z.000000000747
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1432-8917

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Magnesium alloy thin film covered with palladium could achieve intelligent optical and electrical adjustments from mirror state to transparent state through absorbing hydrogen. The metal-semiconductor transition is reversible and can be used for smart windows, hydrogen sensors, etc<italic>.</italic> In this research, thin films of Mg<sub>x</sub>Ni (<italic>x</italic> = 2, 4, 6) were deposited on glass substrates by dc magnetron cosputtering of Mg and Ni targets and <italic>in situ</italic> sputtering of Pd layer respectively. The optical and electrical sensing properties of Mg<sub>x</sub>Ni films covered with Pd were investigated upon exposure to diluted hydrogen and deuterium gas, and we also discussed the diffusion difference of hydrogen and deuterium in thin films. Results indicate that the composition of film influenced the optical and electrical sensing properties. Mg rich thin film was significantly improved compared with Mg<sub>2</sub>Ni thin film in the transparent state. Mg<sub>x</sub>Ni films show the same sensing response for hydrogen and deuterium. It is interesting to note that the dehydrogenation process was delayed for deuterium compared to hydrogen. The films respond to hydrogen and deuterium with a wide concentration range from 10 ppm to 4% at room temperature. Therefore, this sensor is simple, sensitive and visible and can be operated at room temperature.</p> </abstract>