Tuesday publication post! 📖 In this study, the Poseidon AX was used to directly visualize the silicon–water reaction for on-demand hydrogen production. By tracking the silica in real time they were able to visualize the hydrogen formation at different pH levels.
Key highlights:
🔬 In situ LPTEM reveals two distinct reaction pathways depending on pH, linking nanoscale dynamics to hydrogen generation efficiency
⚗️ At lower alkalinity (0.1 M NaOH), reactions occur within the native oxide shell, preserving particle morphology and forming soluble orthosilicate species
🔥 At higher alkalinity (0.3 M NaOH), the oxide layer is fully etched, leading to rapid reaction kinetics and near-complete consumption of Si nanoparticles
🧪 Direct visualization shows how oxide layer evolution controls access of water to Si, dictating overall reaction behavior
This work shows the potential of recycled silicon as a sustainable feedstock, turning waste into a valuable resource for portable, on-demand hydrogen energy systems.
Want to read the entire work?
Find it here!
https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.152468
Want to know more about the Poseidon AX system? Click here!
https://www.protochips.com/solutions/in-situ-tem-solutions/in-situ-liquid-cell/
