Supraparticles and Additive for Optical Indication of Hydrogen Gas, Method for Producing the Supraparticle(s) or the Additive, and Use of the Supraparticle(s) or the Additive

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This invention relates to supraparticles (structured aggregates of nanoparticles and functional substances) designed for the optical detection of hydrogen gas. The supraparticles contain nanoparticles (e.g., silica or metal oxides) embedded with catalytically active substances and color-changing redox dyes. When exposed to hydrogen gas, the supraparticle undergoes a visible color change detectable with the naked eye, enabling simple and immediate hydrogen leak detection. These supraparticles can be mixed as additives into various materials or used as powders, pigments, or coatings to create a flexible, non-electrical hydrogen gas indicator system.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Leak detection in hydrogen infrastructure (e.g., tanks, pipelines, fueling stations) to ensure safety in the hydrogen economy.
• Application as a visible indicator pigment in safety clothing or protective equipment (e.g., gloves, suits) for high-risk hydrogen environments.
• Incorporation into test strips for simple detection of hydrogen leaks or monitoring hydrogen generation and handling equipment.
• Use in permeation test strips for gas cylinders, pipelines, fuel cell rigs, and laboratory vacuum setups.
• Integration with coatings, paints, or molded parts for real-time hydrogen alerting at industrial or storage sites.
• Application in the medical field for breath hydrogen tests or evidence of hydrogen uptake from medical implants.
• As a sensor component in portable or mobile electronic devices to provide optical hydrogen detection in the field.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Direct, visible (color-based) indication of hydrogen presence, readable with the naked eye, needing no electronics.
• Flexible application as powder, pigment, or additive, enabling integration into many products (clothing, coatings, hardware).
• Non-electrical optical detection means zero ignition risk – suitable for explosive or hazardous environments.
• No requirement for expensive precious metals in high concentrations, reducing cost versus traditional optical sensors.
• Modular and adjustable design offers customizable sensitivity, response speed, and detection limits for specific scenarios.
• Can be engineered for irreversible indication (recording past hydrogen exposure) or reversible real-time monitoring.
• High stability, robustness, and scalable manufacturing via spray-drying processes make the invention suitable for mass production.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a supraparticle for optically indicating hydrogen gas or elemental hydrogen. The supraparticle comprises: - a particle superstructure consisting of nanoparticles; and - substances embedded into the particle superstructure. The nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of SiO2 nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, the substances embedded into the particle superstructure comprise: - at least one catalytically active substance for catalyzing a dissociation of hydrogen; and - at least one redox dye. The present invention additionally relates to an additive for optically indicating hydrogen gas, the additive containing or consisting of a plurality of the supraparticles. The present invention further relates to a method for producing the supraparticle(s) or the additive and to the use of the supraparticle(s) or the additive.