US Patent 7287412 - Palladium nanoparticle hydrogen sensor

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Palladium nanowires have previously been used in hydrogen sensors but with limited operational temperature ranges and hydrogen concentrations. This patent from Nano-Proprietary teaches an improved configuration using palladium nanoparticles or nanowires in a resistive layer. Claim 1 reads:

1. An apparatus for sensing hydrogen comprising: a substrate comprising an insulating material; a conductive patterned layer deposited on the substrate; and a plurality of nanoparticles comprising palladium deposited on the conductive patterned layer, wherein the conductive patterned layer is oxidized to form a resistive layer; wherein some of the nanoparticles and portions of the resistive layer from at least one conductive path in the presence of hydrogen.