Minuscule device for hydrogen generation/electrical energy collection system on aluminum alloy surface

Cogeneration of hydrogen and electrical energy in a single system is still a challenging issue. In this work, in a micro scale, a novel miniaturized system is introduced to capture the electrical energy of produced hydrogen on aluminum alloy by using an ultra-microelectrode based on scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Sophisticated nanosize atomic force microscopy (AFM) based SECM probe could collect the electrochemical current close proximity distance from the aluminum surface to attain the highest possible current efficiency. Various collected current levels were associated to the aluminum microstructure constituents. It is expected that future development in instrumentation could principally facilitate SECM as a tool for hydrogen economy.

Novel miniaturized system is introduced to capture the electrical energy of produced hydrogen on aluminum alloy by using an ultra-microelectrode based on scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Sophisticated nanosize atomic force microscopy (AFM) based SECM probe could collect the electrochemical current close proximity distance from the aluminum surface to attain the highest possible current efficiency. Various collected current levels were associated to the aluminum microstructure constituents.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► A novel miniaturized hydrogen/electricity system is introduced.
► It was shown that the presence of surface heterogeneities on alloys is essential.
► Current density of ca 3 nA μm−2 was recorded on an individual IMP.
► Further nanofabrication developments facilitate SECM a device for hydrogen economy.