We investigate the role of quantum confinement on the performance of gas
sensors based on two-dimensional InAs membranes. Pd-decorated InAs membranes
configured as H2 sensors are shown to exhibit strong thickness dependence, with
~100x enhancement in the sensor response as the thickness is reduced from 48 to
8 nm. Through detailed experiments and modeling, the thickness scaling trend is
attributed to the quantization of electrons which favorably alters both the
position and the transport properties of charge carriers; thus making them more
susceptible to surface phenomena