Solar-powered system for generation and storage of hydrogen gas in substrate microstructures
US8697979B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/133
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A system includes a microstructure layer, a photovoltaic layer disposed over the microstructure layer comprising a positive P-type layer and a negative N-type layer, a hydrogen collection micro-chamber formed through the microstructure layer and the negative layer, and an oxygen collection micro-chamber formed through the microstructure layer and the photovoltaic layer. A cathode may be disposed within the hydrogen collection micro-chamber and an anode may be disposed within the oxygen collection micro-chamber. The micro-chambers may be spaced between about 1 and 10 micrometers apart. An insulating layer may be disposed between the microstructure layer and the photovoltaic layer. A supplemental storage layer may be disposed over the photovoltaic layer such that a storage portion is in alignment with the hydrogen collection micro-chamber. MEMS actuators may be located at the ends of the hydrogen collection micro-chamber to facilitate hydrogen storage and release.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.