Analytical Sensors for Quantitative Monitoring of Hydrogen Gas

The global hydrogen gas market reached ~$242.7 billion in 2023 according to a “Markets and Markets” report, with an anticipated compounded annual growth rate of 7.8% from 2023 to 2030. Hydrogen gas is increasingly being utilized as a fuel source and is also critical in chemicals manufacturing. San Antonio in particular is key to the hydrogen market; it is part of one of 7 Department of Energy HyVelocity Hydrogen Hubs, and also home to the Southwest Research Institute, which is involved in multiple hydrogen energy projects. Despite hydrogen gas' economic importance, hydrogen leaks can pose major safety concerns due to its high flammability and explosivity. According to a 2022 report by the Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy, economic losses from hydrogen gas leaks is estimated to reach up to $59 billion annually by 2050. Notably, hydrogen is a colorless and odorless gas and can leak from infrastructure such as pipelines due to hydrogen-induced embrittlement, making rapid detection essential from both an economic and safety perspective. Portability, low-cost, and the ability to operate at elevated temperatures and in humid conditions are additional sensor requirements.

This symposium will discuss the latest innovations in the development of sensors for hydrogen gas. Highly selective and sensitive hydrogen gas sensors will be discussed that exploit optical and electrochemical methods for hydrogen detection, coupling state-of-the-art advances in materials science and instrument design. The symposium will feature speakers at various career stages in both academia and government labs, who will cover emerging hydrogen sensing technologies to ensure safe expansion of hydrogen use. Taken together, this symposium will be of interest to a broad audience, combining research in energy, analytical chemistry, physics, and material science to address a significant challenge in chemical detection.