Graphite/InP and graphite/GaN Schottky barriers with electrophoretically deposited Pd or Pt nanoparticles for hydrogen detection.

Large attention has been devoted worldwide to the investigation of hydrogen sensors based on various Schottky diodes. We prepared graphite semimetal Schottky contacts on polished n-InP and n-GaN wafers partly covered with nanoparticles of catalytic metals Pd or Pt by applying colloidal graphite. Metal nanoparticles were deposited electrophoretically from colloids prepared beforehand. Deposited nanoparticles were imaged by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy on the as-made and annealed-in-vacuum samples. Current-voltage characteristics of prepared Schottky diodes had very high rectification ratios, better than 107 at 1 V. It was shown that the barrier heights of these diodes were equal to the difference between the electron affinity of InP or GaN and the electron work function of the metal Pd or Pt (Schottky-Mott limit). That was a good precondition for the high sensitivity of the diodes to hydrogen, and indeed, high sensitivity to hydrogen, with the detection limit better than 1 ppm, was proved.

Highly sensitive hydrogen sensor based on graphite-InP or graphite-GaN Schottky barrier with electrophoretically deposited Pd nanoparticles.

Depositions on surfaces of semiconductor wafers of InP and GaN were performed from isooctane colloid solutions of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs) in AOT reverse micelles. Pd NPs in evaporated colloid and in layers deposited electrophoretically were monitored by SEM. Diodes were prepared by making Schottky contacts with colloidal graphite on semiconductor surfaces previously deposited with Pd NPs and ohmic contacts on blank surfaces. Forward and reverse current-voltage characteristics of the diodes showed high rectification ratio and high Schottky barrier heights, giving evidence of very small Fermi level pinning. A large increase of current was observed after exposing diodes to flow of gas blend hydrogen in nitrogen. Current change ratio about 700,000 with 0.1% hydrogen blend was achieved, which is more than two orders-of-magnitude improvement over the best result reported previously. Hydrogen detection limit of the diodes was estimated at 1 ppm H2/N2. The diodes, besides this extremely high sensitivity, have been temporally stable and of inexpensive production. Relatively more expensive GaN diodes have potential for functionality at high temperatures.

Palladium nanoparticles on InP for hydrogen detection.

Layers of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles on indium phosphide (InP) were prepared by electrophoretic deposition from the colloid solution of Pd nanoparticles. Layers prepared by an opposite polarity of deposition showed different physical and morphological properties. Particles in solution are separated and, after deposition onto the InP surface, they form small aggregates. The size of the aggregates is dependent on the time of deposition. If the aggregates are small, the layer has no lateral conductance. Forward and reverse I-V characteristics showed a high rectification ratio with a high Schottky barrier height. The response of the structure on the presence of hydrogen was monitored.