Mikuni
Corp. has developed a low-cost hydrogen sensor for use in fuel cell systems
that can detect leakage of hydrogen in the concentration range of 0.01-4%,
which is below the hydrogen explosion concentration range. A ceramics-palladium
(Pd) composite film is used in the heart of the sensor. The product boasts
high sensitivity, high durability and low cost while maintaining excellent
hydrogen selectivity.
Mikuni is a company that develops
and sells products related to peripheral components of fuel cell systems
such as various types of control and shutoff valves for use in water pumps
of reformer in residential fuel cell systems. The latest sensor was developed
as a part of the portfolio, and was attained by establishing a technology
to finely disperse Pd in ceramics. The company is planning to put it on
the market by the end of 2009, while considering possibilities for other
applications than fuel cell systems, too.
The development was a part of a research
project for nurturing the operations of the Innovation Plaza Miyagi of
Japan Science and Technology Agency entitled "Development of hydrogen sensor
using new composite film," which was conducted in corporation with Iwate
University. The results are planned for presentation at 2007 Spring Meeting
of The Japan Institute of Metals to be held from March 27 to 29, 2007.
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