Proton acceptance type sensor, hydrogen gas sensor and acid sensor

Abstract

The present invention provides a low-cost hydrogen gas sensor, which exhibits high sensory selectivity for protons and operates at room temperature, and can also provide a highly sensitive sensor capable of fulfilling the important functions of detecting hydrogen gas and preventing leakage accidents in production plants that use hydrogen gas as a carrier, in hydrogen gas storage facilities, and in so-called fuel cells that use hydrogen gas as an energy source. In addition, the sensor is also effective as an acid sensor for hydrofluoric acid and the like. The present invention relates to an acid and hydrogen gas sensor, wherein protons are brought into contact with an organic compound containing an introduced pyridine ring (such as pyridine-DPP), and the change in electrical resistivity, photoconductivity, or optical absorption band for the organic compound that accompanies proton addition is detected.

1 - 19 . (canceled)  
   
   
       20 . A proton acceptance type gas sensor, comprising an organic compound containing an introduced heterocycle comprising a nitrogen atom, and a protonation catalyst in an islands-type arrangement, wherein the organic compound and the protonation catalyst contact each other, and a change in electrical resistivity, photoconductivity, or optical absorption band for the organic compound accompanies proton addition to the organic compound.  
   
   
       21 . The proton acceptance type gas sensor according to  claim 20 , wherein at least one pair of electrodes is positioned in contact with a film of the organic compound, and a change in electrical resistivity or photoconductivity is detected.  
   
   
       22 . The proton acceptance type gas sensor according to  claim 20 , which is an element in which at least one pair of comb-shaped electrodes is positioned in an opposing arrangement on top of a substrate, a film of the organic compound is disposed thereon, and either a protonation catalyst contacts one surface or both surfaces of the film of the organic compound, or a protonation catalyst is distributed through the film of the organic compound, wherein the sensor is an electrical resistance-mode sensor that detects changes in electrical resistivity between the electrodes.  
   
   
       23 . The proton acceptance type gas sensor according to  claim 20 , having a field-effect transistor structure in which a n + -Si substrate functions as a gate, source and drain electrodes are formed on top of the substrate with a silicon oxide insulating film disposed therebetween, and a film of the organic compound is formed on top of the silicon oxide and the electrodes.  
   
   
       24 . The proton acceptance type gas sensor according to  claim 20 , wherein a film of an organic pigment that acts as a sensitivity promoter is layered to either one surface or both surfaces of a film of the organic compound.  
   
   
       25 . The proton acceptance type gas sensor according to  claim 20 , wherein the heterocycle comprising a nitrogen atom is a pyridine-based heterocycle.  
   
   
       26 . The proton acceptance type gas sensor according to  claim 20 , wherein the organic compound is an organic pigment containing an introduced heterocycle comprising a nitrogen atom.  
   
   
       27 . The proton acceptance type gas sensor according to  claim 26 , wherein the organic pigment is a pyrrolo-pyrrole, quinacridone, indigo, phthalocyanine, anthraquinone, indanthrone, anthanthrone, perylene, pyrazolone, perinone, isoindolinone, isoindoline, dioxazine, or a derivative thereof.  
   
   
       28 . A proton acceptance type gas sensor, in which protons are brought into contact with an organic compound containing an introduced heterocycle comprising a nitrogen atom, and a change in electrical resistivity, photoconductivity, or optical absorption band for the organic compound that accompanies proton addition is detected, wherein the organic compound is an organic pigment containing an introduced heterocycle comprising a nitrogen atom, and the organic pigment is a quinacridone, indigo, phthalocyanine, anthraquinone, indanthrone, anthanthrone, perylene, pyrazolone, perinone, isoindolinone, isoindoline, dioxazine, or a derivative thereof.  
   
   
       29 . The proton acceptance type gas sensor according to  claim 28 , wherein the heterocycle comprising a nitrogen atom is a pyridine-based heterocycle.