Near room-temperature and humidity-tolerant hydrogen sensing with Pt single atom-loaded SnO2 nanofibers

Development of highly sensitive and selective hydrogen sensors operating at low temperatures is crucial for large-scale applications of hydrogen energy. Current sensor design strategy via modification of noble metal nanoparticles is limited by the low metal utilization. To overcome this problem, this work decorates SnO 2 nanofibers with Pt single atoms (SAs) using a two-step annealing method. The Pt-SnO 2 sensor shows high H 2 response at room temperature, but is also very susceptible to the presence of water vapor. Slightly elevating the sensor temperature significantly enhances the H 2 sensing performance. At 100 °C, a response of 998 and response time of 4.3 s for 1000 ppm H 2 as well as excellent selectivity are obtained. Moreover, the detrimental effect of water vapor is markedly depressed at this temperature. The excellent sensing properties of Pt-SnO 2 may result from a synergy of high catalytic activity and electronic modulation of Pt SAs. • Pt single atoms are loaded onto SnO 2 nanofibers. • Pt-SnO 2 is sensitive to both H 2 and water vapor at room temperature. • Working at 100 °C achieves excellent H 2 sensing and humidity tolerance. • A synergy of Pt catalysis and electronic modulation is proposed.