Pd Nanocluster/Monolayer MoS2 Heterojunctions for Light-Induced Room-Temperature Hydrogen Sensing

• Published in: ACS applied materials & interfaces 2021-03, Vol.13 (12), p.14644-14652
• Main Authors: Mai, Hien Duy, Jeong, Sangmin, Nguyen, Tri Khoa, Youn, Jong-Sang, Ahn, Seungbae, Park, Cheol-Min, Jeon, Ki-Joon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Surfaces, Interfaces, and Applications
• ISSN: 1944-8244; 1944-8252
• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c20475

Developing sensing approaches that can exploit visible light for the detection of low-concentration hydrogen at room temperatures has become increasingly important for the safe use of hydrogen in many applications. In this study, heterostructures composed of monolayer MoS2 and Pd nanoclusters (Pd/MoS2) acting as photo- and hydrogen-sensitizers are successfully fabricated in a facile and scalable manner. The uniform deposition of morphologically isotropic Pd nanoclusters (11.5 ± 2.2 nm) on monolayer MoS2 produces a plethora of active heterojunctions, effectively suppressing charge carrier recombination under light illumination. The dual photo- and hydrogen-sensitizing functionality of Pd/MoS2 can enable its use as an active sensing layer in optoelectronic hydrogen sensors. Gas-sensing examinations reveal that the sensing performance of Pd/MoS2 is enhanced three-fold under visible light illumination (17% for 140 ppm of H2) in comparison with dark light (5% for 140 ppm of H2). Photoactivation is also found to enable excellent sensing reversibility and reproducibility in the obtained sensor. As a proof-of-concept, the integration of Pd nanoclusters and monolayer MoS2 can open a new avenue for light-induced hydrogen gas sensing at room temperature.