Papers by Author: Chaug Liang Hsu

Abstract: This study explains a design of the microfabricated planar methanol sensor and conducts a series of methods to achieve a real device. By utilizing the microfabrication technology, it is possible to develop the miniature planar methanol sensor to integrate with direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). The electrochemically reactive area can be adjusted effectively to obtain adequate strength of the methanol oxidation current. The innovation of the methanol sensor design is on a matrix detecting area with the in-line monitoring functions. Each detecting holes in matrix has been connected together by a serpentine channel to conduct electrochemical reaction at the surface of electrodes. In front side of wafer, the interdigitate electrode design provides a flexible adjustment in the reactive area for modulating the strength of methanol oxidation current. A compatible fabrication of methanol sensor and DMFC has also been proposed in this work. The serpentine channel and detecting holes of methanol sensor are anticipated to be made in opposite side of DMFC fuel channels. Also, the through holes have to be formed by the combination of front-side and backside Deep RIE etching. Both of them require a precise double-side alignment. At the end, a simple planar methanol sensor has been made for verifying electrochemical characteristics and the integration solution with micro DMFC has been discussed to benefit the micro DMFC system development.

Abstract: The electricity is the most important motive power in the world for the economy and the industry. But today the electricity is always generating by natural gas, oil, and coal, hence environment pollution caused by fossil fuel will be more serious, and crude oil will be used up in 40-50 years (according to the report of Statistical Review of World’s Energy’s Research), it is need to develop a high efficiency and zero-emission in new energy.

Abstract: Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and the experiment of adhesion force measurement were introduced to study the nanostructure formation process in the atomic force microscopy. The atomic level process of the nanostructure formation and the thermo-mechanical effect caused by the factors of the contact area, the adhesion force, and the temperature were clearly shown and discussed. The size of the forming nanostructures was found to be positively related to the contact area and temperature, but the adhesion force would decrease as the temperature increase. In the case of higher temperature with smaller adhesion force, however, the larger-size nanostructure could still be made.