Graphene-Based Junction Devices for Hydrogen Sensors

Graphene is quite a robust material for sensing hydrogen and other gases at room temperature as well as at elevated temperatures with high efficiency. This chapter deals with different junction devices based on graphene for hydrogen sensing. Graphene has excellent electronic attributes that make it suitable for gas sensor devices. However, till date, the research on graphene-based junction devices is not many. In this chapter, we present different types of graphene junction devices suitable for hydrogen sensing. Hydrogen sensor response of these junctions is analyzed, and the sensing mechanism is presented. The temperature- and atmosphere-dependent inversion of n-type to p-type conductivity in graphene is highlighted for hydrogen sensing. Moreover, the two dimensional nature of graphene makes it very convenient for device miniaturization. This chapter provides relevant information on the growth of graphene, the fabrication of different graphene junction devices, and hydrogen sensor applications. Also, the sensor-related concerns such as cross-sensitivity, signal drift, stability, and interference of humidity during hydrogen sensing are thoroughly discussed in this chapter

Nano Layers of 2D Graphene Versus Graphene Oxides for Sensing Hydrogen Gas

Hydrogen is one of the most useful but dangerous gases because of its broad combustion range and small ignition temperature. Currently, there is a great need for hydrogen detectors with selectivity, high sensitivity and reliable operations in view of its safe production, storage, transportation and other applications. In this regard, nano thin films of two dimensional materials like graphene, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have immense promise because their material attributes can be exceptionally tuned to achieve the desired characteristics. Also graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide serve as potential sensing hosts due to the presence of functional groups on their surfaces. In this chapter, an attempt has been made to compare the work done in the field of hydrogen sensors using pure graphene and graphene derivatives such as graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide. The response parameters like sensitivity, stability, selectivity, response time, recovery time, detection limit, linearity, dynamic range, and working temperatures for various graphene based sensors have been elaborately compared. Finally, a conclusion and future outlook on nano scale thin film of graphene and graphene oxides for gas sensing have been briefly discussed

Graphene–Noble Metal Nano-Composites and Applications for Hydrogen Sensors

Graphene based nano-composites are relatively new materials with excellent mechanical, electrical, electronic and chemical properties for applications in the fields of electrical and electronic devices, mechanical appliances and chemical gadgets. For all these applications, the structural features associated with chemical bonding that involve other components at the interface need in-depth investigation. Metals, polymers, inorganic fibers and other components improve the properties of graphene when they form a kind of composite structure in the nano-dimensions. Intensive investigations have been carried out globally in this area of research and development. In this article, some salient features of graphene–noble metal interactions and composite formation which improve hydrogen gas sensing properties—like higher and fast response, quick recovery, cross sensitivity, repeatability and long term stability of the sensor devices—are presented. Mostly noble metals are effective for enhancing the sensing performance of the graphene–metal hybrid sensors, due to their superior catalytic activities. The experimental evidence for atomic bonding between metal nano-structures and graphene has been reported in the literature and it is theoretically verified by density functional theory (DFT). Multilayer graphene influences gas sensing performance via intercalation of metal and non-metal atoms through atomic bonding