(558e) Development of a Nanocatalytic Microcombustor Power Device

With the rising demand for portable power devices, the production of energy through micro-scale combustion of hydrocarbon fuels is becoming increasingly attractive. Microcombustors coupled with thermoelectric devices have the potential to provide a prolonged power source for portable devices as opposed to conventional batteries due to significantly higher energy densities. Recharging then can be easily achieved by simply adding more fuel for such integrated devices, making them desirable for remote operations. Current research is focused on the design of microreactors to sustain combustion and manage temperature gradients within. Previously, our work has successfully demonstrated room temperature ignition and control over catalytic activity of methanol-air mixtures with platinum nanoparticles. For this work, we have developed a microcombustor power generation device to explore the potential application of nanocatalytic combustion. Commercial thermoelectric generators were used to convert the temperature gradient created by combustion directly to electrical power. The overall performance of the device, together with the temperature characterization of the device, will be reported. Key parameters that influence performance and contribute to the modeling efforts were also identified. This work indicates a potential for a highly miniaturized design for such devices. At the same time, our own catalytic combustion research continues to drive the future design of an alternative power source to conventional battery technology.