1. Lab # 9 Nanotechnology and Electron Microscopy
Dr. Wilfredo Otano
During this laboratory we were making a hydrogen sensor with Palladium. This is
an application of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology uses materials in the parameters of
100nanometers or less. Physics take advantage of the nano scale to obtain more surface
area and increase catalysis. Increasing surface area results in more reactivity. Through
increased surface the needed energy and momentum is obtained. First we conducted
electro spinning with a solution containing poly (ethyle oxide). Then, using a dc
magnetron sputtering, we coated the fibers formed through electrospinning. After that, we
evaluated a mat of Palladium nano shells on top of polymer nano fibers with thickness at
the center of about 100nm as a hydrogen sensor. Lastly, the samples were introduced
into a stainless steal chamber where hydrogen and argon flow were controlled. To
achieve this, we used Keithley 2400 sourcemeter at a flow of 300 standard cubic cm per
minute with 1% hydrogen. The sensor worked effectively, as hydrogen was added,
currency increased rapidly up to a point where the increase is minimal taking the
appearance of an asymptote.