Pt-functionalized reduced graphene oxide for excellent hydrogen sensing at room temperature

Abstract

Cost effective and faster detection of H2 has always remained a challenge. We report synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)–Pt composite and its application as highly sensitive and selective H2 sensors at room temperature. Four samples by varying the ratio of RGO and Pt were prepared to test their sensing performance. The tests were carried out in inert (N2) ambience as well as air ambience. It was observed that the RGO:Pt (1:3) 1 h reduced sample demonstrated the best H2 sensing performance in terms of sensitivity, response time, and recovery time at room temperature. Its response varied from ∼19% (200 ppm) to 57% (5000 ppm) against H2 in air ambience. Also, the response time and recovery time of the RGO:Pt (1:3) sample were found to be as fast as 65 s and 230 s against 5000 ppm, respectively, in air ambience. In N2 ambience, the RGO:Pt (1:3) sample demonstrated the best response of −97% (500 ppm), but its recovery was found to be poor. The RGO–Pt composite formation was verified by high resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The detailed physics behind the sensing mechanisms have been explained and experimentally verified in this work.