Optical and thermal sensing of Pt/C quantum dots and electron scattering dynamics

In this work, we have studied electron scattering dynamics to understand the optical and thermal sensing of platinum–carbon (Pt/C) quantum dots for hydrogen sensing. Our primary goal is to investigate the exterior laser dissipated and heating consequences on electron production, scattering, and detection activity at the surface of electrodes. A combined theoretical and experimental approach was used. The laser-assisted electron scattering in a thermal environment has been theoretically investigated within a semi-classical approach via Volkov thermal wave functions, scattering and transition matrix calculations, as well as differential cross-section (DCS) for studying the influence of scattering angle, temperature, polarization, and electron energy. Quantum dots of Pt/C were synthesized and deposited on graphite-thermocole electrodes and employed in a sensor prototype. The measurements under a controlled hydrogen environment, laser light illumination, and heat were used in electrical characterizing by the Butler–Volmer current–voltage model to estimate charge transfer order and sensitivity. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, combined with fast Fourier transformation and inverse fast Fourier transformation techniques, indicate nanoscale Pt deposition uniformity with higher surface roughness, and the proof for crystalline deposition of Pt. Optical measurements showed hydrogen concentration-dependent photoluminescence. The findings indicate that the laser affects the sensor in terms of sensor voltage and responsivity, while thermal effects mainly shed light on electron dynamics and the interaction region. These results emphasize the tight connection between the surface morphology on one side and electron scattering as well as external perturbations on the other side. This Pt/C QD material-based detection of hydrogen provides a facile and low-cost method for sensing and could possibly be employed in industrial safety monitoring, environmental analysis, hydrogen energy applications, and laser-assisted scattering studies.