Catalothermionic Power Generator Based on Internal Electron Emission in Ni/SiC Heterojunction Nanostructures

We report on the unusual properties of single-faced SiC metal-semiconductor heterojunction nanostructures manifested by the ability to atalyze the hydrogen oxidation reaction, and also maintain internal electron emission over the Schottky barriers. As a result a stationary current has been detected in the preheated nanostructure when exposed to the oxyhydrogen gas mixture flux. The structures maintain both the non-adiabatic and electron-phonon channels of energy transfer, and the results of studies indicate the possibility for a very efficient conversion of chemical energy released in the catalytic oxidation of hydrogen into electricity.