Scientists develop hydrogen sensor that could pave the way for safer, cleaner energy

As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, hydrogen is considered a key player to the transition to cleaner energy. However, the clear, odourless and highly flammable gas is hard to detect using human senses and poses a challenge for its safe deployment.

The sensor, developed by a scientist at The University of Manchester, can reliably detect even the tiniest amounts of hydrogen in seconds. It is small, affordable, and energy-efficient – and its results outperform portable commercial hydrogen detectors.

The research, in collaborations with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, was published today in the journal Nature Electronics.

“This sensor could offer a breakthrough in hydrogen safety technology. By combining affordability, reliability, and high performance, it has the potential to transform how we handle hydrogen across industries, homes, and transportation. I hope our organic sensor will help build trust in emerging hydrogen technologies, making them more accessible and safer for everyone.”

Thomas Anthopoulos, Professor of Emerging Optoelectronics at The University of Manchester read more