Self-Powered Thermoelectric Hydrogen Sensors Based on Low-Cost Bismuth Sulfide Thin Films: Quick Response at Room Temperature

Abstract

Thermoelectric (TE)-based gas sensors have attracted significant attention due to their high selectivity, low power consumption, and minimum maintenance requirements. However, it is challenging to find low-cost, environmentally friendly materials and simple device fabrication processes for large-scale applications. Herein, we report self-powered thermoelectric hydrogen (TEH) sensors based on bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) fabricated from a low-cost Bi2S3 TE layer and platinum (Pt) catalyst. When working at room temperature, the monomorphic-type TEH sensor obtained an output response signal of 42.2 μV with a response time of 17 s at a 3% hydrogen atmosphere. To further improve device performance, we connected the patterned Bi2S3 films in series to increase the Seebeck coefficient to −897 μV K–1. For comparison, the resulting N tandem-type TEH sensor yielded a distinguished output voltage of 101.4 μV, which was greater than the monomorphic type by a factor of 2.4. Significantly, the response and recovery time of the N-tandem-type TEH sensor to 3% hydrogen were shortened to 14 and 15 s, respectively. This work provides a simple, environmentally friendly, and low-cost strategy for fabricating high-performance TEH sensors by applying low-cost Bi2S3 TE materials.

Innovative Thermocatalytic H2 Sensor with Double-Sided Pd Nanocluster Films on an Ultrathin Mica Substrate

“…The sensing properties of various H 2 sensors are summarized in Table . ,,,− While the response time of metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors is typically on the order of several seconds, they require heating to very high temperatures. , Some thermochemical H 2 gas sensors exhibit a typical response time of ∼20 s. Many thermal catalytic H 2 sensors also have typical response and recovery times exceeding 10 s. Compared to these previously reported H 2 sensors, even at the operating temperature of 50 °C, our device demonstrates superior H 2 gas-sensing kinetics. To the best of our knowledge, our thermocatalytic H 2 sensor represents the current state-of-the-art in optimized comprehensive sensing capabilities in terms of response and recovery time, sensitivity, and manufacturing technology.…”

Recent Advances in Self-powered Sensors Based on Nanogenerators: From Material and Structural Design to Cutting-Edge Sensing Applications

“…(C) Self-powered thermoelectric hydrogen sensor based on low-cost bismuth sulfide film. Reproduced from ref . Copyright 2022, American Chemical Society.…”

Thermoelectric-Powered Sensors for Internet of Things

“…New thermoelectric materials with higher intrinsic thermoelectric properties for more application scenarios should be developed. For example, we are currently pursuing studies on multi-functional sensors based on thermoelectric materials, which are, however, restricted by limited preparation methods and complex structural designs [ 70 , 71 ]. With technological advances, we believe that these problems could be solved by more high-performance thermoelectric materials.…”