Research Projects

Hydrogen is a promising fuel for the future due to its environmental sustainability, but it is highly inflammable. To achieve a viable hydrogen economy, suitable hydrogen sensors are needed, and researchers are exploring the use of 2D materials like transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) for chemiresistive hydrogen sensing. However, the high resistance of host TMDCs limits their potential. 2D MXenes (metal carbides or nitrides) offer a new avenue for solution processable materials with high electrical conductivity. The researchers propose fabricating solution processable MXene/TMDC nanohybrid hydrogen sensors, exploring two specific structures: synthesizing nanohybrids of Mos₂ or Wse₂ and Ti₃C₂Tx or V₂CTx with Pt or Pd nanoparticle doping, which will improve sensor performance due to the presence of two adsorption hosts and the superior electrical conductivity of MXenes. Optimizing the composition, thickness, and metal doping concentration for the best results is crucial. Additionally, fabricating suitable nanohybrids of TMDC and MXene (Ti₃C₂Tx or V₂CTx) for sensing without incorporating the metal nanoparticle for doping can reduce fabrication steps and cost. The project aims to create a readily commerciable, low-cost, flexible, wearable, and fast MXene/TMDC nanohybrid hydrogen sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity. This will have a strong impact on the sustainable hydrogen economy and provide a deeper understanding of the sensing mechanisms of MXene/TMDC nanohybrids and the chemical and fundamental physical processes of MXene/TMDC nanohybrid interfaces.