Pd/SWCNTs based sensor for detection of hydrogen stable isotopes

This work addresses the detection of hydrogen stable isotopes, deuterium and protium, an important consideration towards safety matters in the design and operation of industrial facilities (e.g. heavy water detritiation plants), using a reliable and low cost sensor structure. The presented sensor platform approach is based on deposition of a hydrogen high affinity metal, namely palladium (Pd), on purified and functionalized single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) known for their good electronic, chemical-stability and sensitivity characteristics. The proposed Pd/SWCNTs based sensor was tested for different concentrations of protium and deuterium mixtures in air, from 0.1 to 4%. It allows discriminating between protium and deuterium due to the different adsorption/desorption behavior given by the sensor response. Embedded in a measurement integrated platform, this proposed alternative of flexible sensor matrix can be a suitable tool for deuterium/protium leak detections in facilities used for tritium separation.