TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Zirconium Electrochemical Hydrogen Sensor

Hydrogen Detection for Surface and Subsurface applications

This solid-state electrochemical mixed potential sensor from Los Alamos National Laboratory is a rugged device that will detect and quantify trace concentrations of hydrogen in a wide variety of environments including high temperature, humidity and oxygen.

Overview:

Los Alamos National Laboratory’s mixed-potential electrochemical sensors are a platform technology for the detection and quantification of a wide variety of potential gas targets. The sensors actively monitor the atmosphere surrounding the sensor to identify and quantify gas analytes. The working electrode of the sensor can be highly tailored to specific target gases allowing for both low limits of detection and highly accurate quantification.

The Zirconium Electrochemical Hydrogen Sensor is a highly robust, solid-state sensor that accurately detects and quantifies hydrogen over a wide range of concentrations (<10 ppm, to >10,000 ppm).  These sensors have been field tested over months of constant operation with minimal signal drift and loss of sensitivity.

Advantages:

• Flexible form factor to be tailored to specific applications
• Solid-state ceramic construction and low-cost manufacturing
• Platform technology can be tailored to multiple gas targets
• Fast signal response
• Insensitive to humidity and oxygen
• Minimal signal drift
• Low sensitivity to potential contaminants such as CO, CH4
• Can be deployed in arrays for deconvolution of mixed-gas samples

Technology Description:

Mixed-potential electrochemical sensors are a platform technology where the working electrode can either oxidize or reduce the analyte of interest. In doing so, the analyte induces a current response that is proportional to the analyte’s concentration. This process converts a gas concentration into an electrical response that is fast, precise, sensitive, and simple to interpret.

The Zirconium Electrochemical Hydrogen Sensor is a highly sensitive hydrogen detector that could be used in a variety of environments including surface, subsurface and industrial. Originally developed as a hydrogen safety sensor, Zirconium Electrochemical Hydrogen Sensor has been field-tested in a hydrogen fueling station over several months without loss of sensitivity.

Market Applications:

• Oil & Gas Industry
• Chemical Manufacturers
• Hydrogen Production

Development Status: TRL 5

IP: US Patent pending, S-195103

LA-UR-26-22097

LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential

Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.

LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact licensing@lanl.gov.

Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.

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