Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor cell is provided, the use of which permits quantitative measurement of volatile gas contaminants in an atmosphere being monitored. The cell comprises at least a first sensor electrode and a second counter electrode, on either side of an ion conductive electrolyte which may be immobilized in a matrix. The electrolyte may also be a solid electrolyte or a polymer electrolyte. The sensing electrode has a high surface area catalyst dispersed on a porous substrate, and is mounted in such a manner as to be exposed to the atmosphere which is to be sensed for gaseous contaminants, with the counter electrode being isolated from any exposure to that atmosphere. Generally, the electrodes are mounted in electrically conductive frames, sandwiching a third non-conductive frame member in which the ion conductive electrolyte is substantially located. The conductive frames may comprise electronically conductive materials such as conductive polymers, ceramics, nitrides, oxides and graphites.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 20, 1992
Date of Patent:
April 12, 1994
Assignee:
Minitech Co.
Inventors:
Klaus Tomantschger, Allan A. Janis, Norman L. Weinberg, Joseph M. Rait
Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor cell is provided, the use of which permits quantitative measurement of volatile gas contaminants in an atmosphere being monitored, generally at ambient temperatures below 100.degree.C. The cell comprises at least a first sensor electrode and a second counter electrode, on either side of an electrolyte which may be immobilized in a matrix, or a polymer electrolyte. The sensing electrode has a catalyst dispersed on a porous base, and is mounted in such a manner as to be exposed to the atmosphere which is to be sensed for gaseous contaminants, with the counter electrode being isolated from any exposure to that atmosphere. Generally, the electrodes are mounted in electrically conductive plastic frames, sandwiching a third non-conductive frame member in which the electrolyte is located. In an alternative embodiment, a further reference electrode may be mounted so as to be exposed to the electrolyte.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 16, 1990
Date of Patent:
December 22, 1992
Assignee:
Minitech Co.
Inventors:
Klaus Tomantschger, Allan A. Janis, Norman L. Weinberg, Joseph M. Rait