Hydrogen sensing using reduced graphene oxide sheets supported by Pd nanoparticles

We investigated Schottky diode hydrogen sensors prepared by the deposition of reduced graphene oxide functionalized by nanocrystals of Pd on InP substrate. Schottky diodes were investigated by the measurement of current voltage characteristics and further tested for their sensitivity to hydrogen in a cell with a through-flow gas system. Pd nanocrystals which are in direct contact with the semiconductor substrate serve to dissociate hydrogen molecules into atomic hydrogen, lowering the work function of Pd, and resulting in the decreased Schottky barrier height.