The CRC 1615 aims to enable SMART reactors through basic research. In the future, the SMART reactors will convert sustainable renewable resources into different products (multi-purpose) in a more sustainable way and operate autonomously (self-adapting), which will lead to more resilient processes that are more transferable between scales and locations. The project A03 within the CRC1615 aims at the development of a multifunctional porous material system with controllable adsorption, fluid transport and integrated hydrogen sensor to be utilised in SMART chemical and biochemical reactor environments. The material design employs a hybrid sandwich structure integrating nanoporous silicon (np-Si) and porous Gold (np-Au). The latter enables control over molecular flow along with the ability to detect liquid-dissolved molecular hydrogen. In the presented hydrogen-sensing scheme, a palladium-functionalised np-Si is developed for the electrical detection of hydrogen. Its gas sensing properties are improved when the semiconductor is coated with Pd nanoparticles due to the particular ability of the metal to adsorb H2 molecules. This will ensure the selectivity toward hydrogen gas detection. Furthermore, the Pd can be utilised for hydrogen production via electrolysis of water to supply hydrogen for specific reactions in (bio)chemical reactors.
CRC SMART Reactors at the Materials Research Society Spring Meeting 2025
