Hydrogen Sensing Films

 

117097
   
Technology Overview

Dr. William Heineman, PhD Professor in the College of Chemistry and his team have developed a novel solution to aid in the monitoring of hydrogen gas. The developed films provide an easy to see visual transformation from blue to clear when the presence of hydrogen is detected. Additionally, these films can be placed in difficult to reach areas and adhere in almost any shape. This allows the technology to be used in a variety of locations and applications.

Background

Hydrogen is extremely explosive and has been the cause of an explosion of hydrogen manufacturing site in Charleston, Tennessee recently. In this case, the problem was "a mechanical failure of the equipment… [and had] led to the release of hydrogen that ignited." The manufacturing facility has been closed, where the company is facing several governmental penalties as well as the burden of repairing the facility. While instances of hydrogen explosions are rare, they are deadly and can wreak havoc on the local residents and environment.

Advantages and Benefits
  • Allows for passive monitoring
  • Visual change indicates the presence of hydrogen gas
  • Ability to sense low levels of hydrogen
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Patents
Title Country Serial No. Patent No. File Date Issued Date
HYDROGEN SENSITIVE FILMS AND SENSOR PRODUCED THEREFROM United States 16/143,992 10,935,499 9/27/2018 3/2/2021
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Inventor(s)