Abstract
The effect of ballistic electron injection into aqueous solutions has been studied by nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si) planar cold cathode. The present article shows that the nc-Si ballistic emitter operates in both pure water and a dilute H2SO4 solution, and that hydrogen gas is generated with no by-product like oxygen. The hydrogen evolution rate in H2SO4 solution was higher than that in water as expected. In water, the pH value shows a significant increase toward the alkaline side during the device operation without using any counterelectrode. These results support the model that energetic electrons emitted from the device into solutions directly reduce H+ ions at the interface. The ballistic emitter is useful in solutions not only for hydrogen generation but also for control of pH level and related electrochemical properties.
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