SAW sensor based on highly sensitive nanoporous palladium thin film for hydrogen detection

► SAWS with Pd nanoporous sensing material were investigated for H2 detection at RT. ► The sensitivity and LOD at RT was 0.31 Hz/ppm and 48 ppm respectively. ► Sensor response is proportional to the concentration and is reversible. ► For a concentration of 0.2-0.8H2 in air the response times were 15-44 s. ► The sensors performance was improved using a nanoporous Pd layer deposited by PLD.