Palladium nanoparticles modified carbon nanotube/nickel composite rods (Pd/CNT/Ni) for hydrogen sensing

A leaf-like carbon nanotube/nickel (CNT/Ni) composite film modified with palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) was developed for hydrogen (H2) gas sensing applications. A leaf-like CNT/Ni composite film was fabricated on glass by nanocomposite plating. A Pd/CNT/Ni film, which was treated by the sensitization and activation process, was then formed to improve the hydrogen sensing properties. The H2 gas sensing properties of the Pd/CNT/Ni were found to have a much higher response (7.3%) and faster response time (312 s) at 200 ppm H2 gas than those prepared without Pd NPs modified (0.7%, 1092 s). The modified Pd/CNT/Ni composite film sensor possessed good sensing properties and has potential for mass production in flexible sensing devices.