Electrochemically decorated carbon nanotubes for hydrogen sensing

Low-density networks of single-wall carbon nanotubes have been modified by palladium nanoparticles using an electrochemical method. A major advantage of this approach is that it allows for selective metal deposition on the electrically contacted nanotubes, whereas the remaining substrate surface and the non-contacted tubes remain essentially unaffected. The Pd-decorated networks function as effective hydrogen sensors enabling the detection of hydrogen concentrations as low as 10 ppm at room temperature. The electrochemical metal deposition scheme is promising for the development of sensor arrays suitable for analysing gas mixtures.