High-power electrokinetic energy conversion in a glass microchannel array

The electrokinetic conversion of flow work to electricity using a glass microchannel array coated with nano-layers of gold that serve as electrodes on both its ends was studied and a maximum power output of 1 mW at an efficiency of 1.3% is reported. The establishment of such a high power generation capability in combination with a low pressure drop (26 kPa) makes this electrokinetic work conversion device more practical than those previously reported in literature.