Amperometric hydrogen sensor based on PtxPdy/Nafion electrode prepared by Takenata–Torikai method

A novel amperometric sensor for hydrogen determination based on the PtxPdy/Nafion electrode has been developed. Bimetallic electrodes containing various compositions of PtxPdy deposited on Nafion were prepared by the Takenaka–Torikai (T–T) method. The structures and bimetallic compositions of the PtxPdy/Nafion electrodes were characterized using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray diffraction microscopy, respectively. Cyclic voltammograms and amperometric methods were used to evaluate the electrocatalytic activities of the prepared electrodes towards hydrogen oxidation. All the PtxPdy/Nafion electrodes fabricated had a linear relationship between response current and hydrogen concentration in the detection range from 100 to 1000 ppm. The Pt22Pd78/Nafion electrode exhibited a much higher sensitivity and selectivity toward hydrogen, than it did towards nitrogen monoxide or carbon monoxide compared to the Pt/Nafion and Pd/Nafion electrodes. This bimetallic electrode also displays the shortest response and recovery times in sensing hydrogen.