Abstract
Argon plasma treatment of 316 stainless steel surface showed improved surface area and electrical conductivity. The effect of plasma etching time and plasma voltage on the production rate of oxyhydrogen (HHO) fuel in an electrolytic cell was studied. The plasma voltage of 2000 V and etching time of 60 min increased the fuel production rate by about 100%. The results are considered in light of the increase in surface area and the change in the relative mass ratio of surface metals due to plasma etching. A simple model is used to calculate the pore depth. The etching time is limited, so the pore size does not exceed the gas bubble size.