Abstract

This project presents the design, fabrication, characterization and applications of a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) device that generates microplasma at atmospheric pressure. Two types of the devices were conceived, characterized and tested while different carrier gases were employed. The device performance was first characterized by current-voltage (I-V) measurements. A mixture of carrier gas and water vapor was then introduced; the gas resultants were analyzed with Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES). The spectra shows atomic hydrogen peaks, as the evidence that the microplasma dissociates hydrogen from water vapor. The resultants from the device were sent to a PEM hydrogen fuel cell for the preliminary demonstration on its potential applications. In addition, the initial study of using the MEMS devices for generating RF microplasma was fabricated and tested.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Microelectromechanical systems--Design and construction; Plasma devices--Design and construction; Hydrogen as fuel; Fuel cells

Publication Date

8-12-2009

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Center for Materials Science and Engineering

Advisor

Lu, Yen-Wen

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TK7875 .S33 2009

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Download

Share

COinS