Miniature hydrogen generator based on aluminum-water reaction for micro fuel cells

Abstract

Hydrogen fuel cells have long been considered as a promising alternative to batteries in portable electronics or on-chip devices due to their high energy densities and environmental compatibility. However, the practical application of micro hydrogen fuel cells has been seriously impeded by the lack of a viable portable fuel supply technology. In this study, we present a miniature hydrogen generator based on the process of aluminum-assisted water splitting. Aluminum is a well-known water-splitting agent and hydrogen generator. The aluminum-water reaction has advantages of low cost, attractive hydrogen capacity, safe and fast kinetics at room temperatures. The performance of the miniature hydrogen generator is examined under different operating conditions. This miniature hydrogen generator is finally coupled to a microfluidic hydrogen fuel cell for hydrogen supply.