TU Delft Develops Safe Hydrogen Sensors for Energy Transition
Delft, Wednesday, 12 February 2025.
TU Delft scientists have created advanced sensors for detecting hydrogen leaks, crucial for safe hydrogen energy use in aviation and harsh climates, fostering a shift to carbon-neutral solutions.
Breakthrough in Hydrogen Safety Technology
Scientists from TU Delft’s Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Faculty of Applied Sciences have developed innovative sensors that can detect hydrogen leaks in extreme conditions, including temperatures as low as -60°C [1][3]. These sensors utilize metal hydrides less than 100 nanometers thick - approximately a thousand times thinner than a human hair - which can reversibly absorb hydrogen and change their optical properties when exposed to the gas [1][3]. The project, supported by EU initiatives Overleaf and HYDEA, represents a significant advancement in making hydrogen energy both safer and more practical for widespread adoption [1].
Technical Excellence and Response Time
The sensors demonstrate remarkable performance capabilities, with response times not exceeding 10 seconds and ideally operating under 1 second [1]. According to scientist Lars Bannenberg, these changes in optical properties are so significant that hydrogen leaks can be detected even with the naked eye [3]. The research team’s first results, published on January 31, 2025, confirmed the sensors’ successful operation at extremely low temperatures, marking a crucial milestone in aviation safety technology [3].
Applications and Future Implementation
The sensors are specifically designed for critical applications in aviation environments, polar activities, and liquid hydrogen storage facilities [1]. They will be strategically placed near hydrogen storage tanks, engines, and hydrogen pipelines in aircraft [3]. The research team is currently developing advanced optical methods to monitor hydrogen concentrations at multiple positions within aircraft [3]. This innovation addresses a critical safety requirement for the aviation industry’s transition to hydrogen power, as even small hydrogen leaks can have significant consequences [1].
Broader Impact on Energy Transition
This development comes at a crucial time when TU Delft is expanding its role in sustainable energy innovation [2]. The successful implementation of these sensors could accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, contributing significantly to the global transition toward a carbon-neutral society [1][3]. PhD researcher Ziqing Yuan notes that the TU Delft-patented tantalum-based hydrogen sensing materials have proven particularly effective, even at low temperatures [3].