A new University of Missouri researcher is developing next-generation sensors that could be key to using hydrogen as a clean energy source in the future.

Professor Xiangqun Zeng is a MizzouForward hire with joint appointments in chemistry in the College of Arts and Science and in chemical engineering in the College of Engineering. She brings to Mizzou an impressive portfolio of sponsored research, including funding from the Department of Energy.

Hydrogen is a promising energy source however is flammable and can be dangerous. Additionally, hydrogen losses to the atmosphere impact the lifetime of other greenhouse gases, indirectly contributing to increasing temperatures.

Existing sensors can detect hydrogen in parts per million, which is comparable to finding a specific drop of water in a million gallons. Zeng’s goal is to develop a sensor that can detect even smaller amounts — an unprecedented level of parts per billion.