Chemiresistive Hydrogen Sensors: Fundamentals, Recent Advances, and Challenges

Hydrogen (H2) is one of the next-generation energy sources because it is abundant in nature and has a high combustion efficiency that produces environmentally benign products (H2O). However, H2/air mixtures are explosive at H2 concentrations above 4%, thus any leakage of H2 must be rapidly and reliably detected at much lower concentrations to ensure safety. Among the various types of H2 sensors, chemiresistive sensors are one of the most promising sensing systems due to their simplicity and low cost. This review highlights the advances in H2 chemiresistors, including metal-, semiconducting metal oxide-, carbon-based materials, and other materials. The underlying sensing mechanisms for different types of materials are discussed, and the correlation of sensing performances with nanostructures, surface chemistry, and electronic properties is presented. In addition, the discussion of each material emphasizes key advances and strategies to develop superior H2 sensors. Furthermore, recent key advances in other types of H2 sensors are briefly discussed. Finally, the review concludes with a brief outlook, perspective, and future directions.