Charge Transfer during the Aluminum-Water Reaction Studied with Schottky Nanodiode Sensors
Journal article, 2019

The aluminum-water reaction is a promising source for hydrogen production. However, experimental studies of this reaction are difficult because of the highly concentrated alkaline solution used to activate the surface of aluminum. Here, we show that the reaction kinetics can be monitored in real time by a Schottky diode sensor, consisting of an ultrathin aluminum film deposited on a semiconductor substrate. Charge resulting from the corrosion of the aluminum film causes an electrical signal in the sensor, which is proportional to the rate of the chemical process. We discuss the possible mechanisms for the reaction-induced charge generation and transfer, as well as the use of Schottky diode based sensors for operando studies of the aluminum-water reaction and similar reactions on metals in concentrated alkaline solutions.

hot electrons

catalytic oxidation

electronic friction

Author

Ievgen Nedrygailov

Institute for Basic Science

Yeob Heo

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Institute for Basic Science

Heeyoung Kim

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Institute for Basic Science

Jeong Young Park

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Institute for Basic Science

ACS Omega

24701343 (eISSN)

Vol. 4 24 20838-20843

Subject Categories

Inorganic Chemistry

Other Chemical Engineering

Organic Chemistry

DOI

10.1021/acsomega.9b03397

More information

Latest update

1/3/2024 9