Low-Temperature Flexible Micro Hydrogen Sensor Embedded in a Proton Battery for Real-Time Microscopic Diagnosis

Micromachines (Basel). 2021 Oct 5;12(10):1215. doi: 10.3390/mi12101215.

Abstract

The proton battery is a very novel emerging research area with practicability. The proton battery has charging and discharging functions. It not only electrolyzes water: the electrolyzed protons can be stored but also released, which are combined with oxygen to generate electricity, and the hydrogen is not required; the hydrogen ions will be released from the battery. According to the latest document, the multiple important physical parameters (e.g., hydrogen, voltage, current, temperature, humidity, and flow) inside the proton battery are unlikely to be obtained accurately and the multiple important physical parameters mutually influence the data; they have critical effects on the performance, life, and health status of the proton battery. At present, the proton battery is measured only from the outside to indirectly diagnose the health status of battery; the actual situation inside the proton battery cannot be obtained instantly and accurately. This study uses micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology to develop a low-temperature micro hydrogen sensor, which is used for monitoring the internal condition of the proton battery and judging whether or not there is hydrogen leakage, so as to enhance the safety.

Keywords: low-temperature micro hydrogen sensor; micro-electro-mechanical systems; proton battery.