Optical Fiber Sensors coated with Carbon Nanotubes, Tin Dioxide and Nanoporous Polymers for Cryogenic Detection of Hydrogen

In this contribution, preliminary measurements carried out by using optical fiber sensors coated with different sensitive materials for hydrogen detection at cryogenic temperatures are presented. To the aim, opened-end (OeSWCNTs) and closed-end single-walled carbon nanotubes (CeSWCNTs), tin dioxide (SnO₂) and syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) thin films have been used as sensitive fiber coatings. The results obtained from the experimental measurements demonstrate the capability of the proposed configuration to sense very low concentrations of hydrogen (<4%) at very low temperatures (113 K). Especially CeSWCNTs based sensors have demonstrated to be the most interesting materials to be used for the detection of cryogenic hydrogen, with good sensitivity, fast response times, good recovery and reversibility features.