Electrokinetic Power Generation from Liquid Water Microjets

Although electrokinetic effects are not new, only recently have they been investigated for possible use in energy conversion devices. We recently reported the electrokinetic generation of molecular hydrogen from rapidly flowing liquid water microjets [DUffin et al. J. PhYs. Chem. C 2007, 111, 12031]. Here, we describe the use of liquid water microjets for direct conversion of electrokinetic energy to electrical power. Previous studies of electrokinetic power production have reported low efficiencies (similar to 3%), limited by back conduction of ions at the surface and in the bulk liquid. Liquid microjets eliminate energy dissipation due to back conduction and, measuring only at the jet target, yield conversion efficiencies exceeding 10%.