Pd nanocube-decorated MoS2 hybrid nanostructures for fast and reliable room-temperature hydrogen detection

Hydrogen (H 2 ) is emerging as a clean and versatile next-generation fuel, however, growing safety concerns necessitate the development of cost-effective and highly efficient room temperature sensor for real-time detection. In this study, we present a new H 2 sensing material by decorating palladium nanocubes (NCs) onto mixed-phase molybdenum disulfide (1T@2H–MoS 2 ). The resulting Pd/1T@2H–MoS 2 hybrid was extensively characterized using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Key sensing parameters, including response/recovery time, repeatability, long-term stability, and selectivity, were evaluated at room temperature. The sensor exhibited a rapid response time of 5 s, a broad detection range (0.01–4 %) with good linearity (R 2 = 0.98), an excellent selectivity, and long-term stability. These results highlight the potential of Pd/1T@2H–MoS 2 as a next-generation hydrogen sensing materials for real-world applications for emerging hydrogen industry. • Pd Nanocube-Decorated on mixed-phase MoS 2 (Pd/1T@2H–MoS 2 ) is synthesized for hydrogen sensing. • Pd nanocubes on 1T@2H–MoS 2 enable ultrafast H 2 detection at room temperature. • Sensor shows 5 s response, broad 0.01–4 % detection range, and high selectivity. • Cost-effective Pd/1T@2H–MoS 2 platform targets next-generation hydrogen sensing for emerging hydrogen industry.