Since June 2023, Ziqing Yuan has embarked on her PhD journey at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology. She is an alumna of Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, where she completed her Master’s in European Photonics in 2023. Ziqing is deeply invested in experimental research and data analysis.
Her current project is centered on the development of advanced optical hydrogen sensors, which are crucial for detecting minor hydrogen leaks in aircraft. This research is particularly focused on identifying and utilizing hydrogen-sensing materials that are effective under aviation-specific conditions, such as low temperatures. A significant aspect of her work involves designing a pioneering optical hydrogen sensor prototype that incorporates fiber optics technology.
Ziqing’s research is structured into three pivotal areas:
Temperature Range Expansion: She is working to broaden the sensor’s temperature operation range, aiming for a functional range of 0.04% to 100% at temperatures as low as -60°C.
Micromirror Metal Hydride Sensors: The second area involves enhancing optical contrast by investigating new materials for micromirror metal hydride sensors.
Surface Plasmon Resonance Fiber Optic Sensors: Continuation of research in this domain is also a key part of her work.
The overarching goal of Ziqing’s research is to innovate and develop reliable hydrogen sensors. These sensors are integral to ensuring safety in the large-scale adoption of green hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.
TU Delft Optical Hydrogen Sensing & Thin Film Energy Materials 