Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing an electrochemical process involving hydrogen and gaseous compounds capable of dissociating into or combining with hydrogen ions using a solid electrolyte concentraton cell. Specific applications are fuel cells for producing an electrical current and separation of hydrogen from a gaseous mixture. A novel solid electrolyte membrane is used which comprises a three-component blend prepared by admixing an organic polymer, such as poly(vinyl alcohol), with an inorganic comound, such as a phosphoric acid, and a polyorganic acid, such as poly(acrylic acid), in a mutually miscible solvent. For increased strength, a membrane may be composited with or attached to a porous support. In one embodiment, electrically conductive particles with catalyst are partially embedded in the membrane to form a hydrogen separating device.

Abstract: Thin film polymer blend membranes which may be used for the separation of gases will consist of a blend of an inorganic compound such as phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, heteropoly acids or salts of heteropoly acids, an organic polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) and a poly organic acid such as poly(acrylic acid), poly(methacrylic acid) or poly(styrene sulfonic acid). The thin film membrane composites may be used as gas separation or gas sensor devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing hydrogen from a gaseous mixture containing hydrogen or a component capable of dissociating into hydrogen ions using a solid electrolyte concentration cell. A novel solid electrolyte membrane is used which comprises an organic polymer-inorganic compound blend prepared by admixing an organic polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) with a heteropoly acid or salt thereof such as dodecamolybdophosphoric acid in a mutually miscible solvent.

Abstract: Gas separation membranes comprising an inorganic compound-organic polymer blend may be prepared by admixing an organic polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) with a phosphoric acid or sulfuric acid in a mutually miscible solvent. After allowing the mixture to proceed for a period of time sufficient to form a blend, the solution may be cast on an appropriate casting surface and, after the solvent has been evaporated, the desired membrane which may have a thickness of from about 0.1 to about 100 microns, is recovered.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting and measuring hydrogen and gaseous compounds capable of dissociating into or combining with hydrogen ions using a solid electrolyte concentration cell. A novel solid electrolyte membrane is used which comprises an organic polymer-inorganic compound blend prepared by admixing an organic polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) with a heteropoly acid or salt thereof such as dodecamolybdophosphoric acid in a mutually miscible solvent.

Abstract: Polymer blended membranes which comprise a blend of a compound such as a heteropoly acid or salt thereof and a polymer which is at least partially compatible with said compound, said blend containing a multiplicity of electrically conductive particles which form a portion of said membrane may be prepared by admixing the polymer and the acid or salt in a mutually miscible solvent. Thereafter, the electrically conductive particles, the size of which is sufficient so that the surfaces of the particles are coexistent with or extend beyond the surfaces of the membrane, may be added to the solution or, alternatively, the solution may be cast onto a casting surface and the particles added in a manner so as to ensure a uniform distribution of the particles throughout the solution. After evaporation of the solvent, the resulting thin film membrane may then be recovered and used in a gas separation apparatus or in a gas sensor apparatus.

Abstract: Strong fibers of poly(ethylene oxide) result from crystallization of the polymer of molecular weight of at least about 500,000 in a shear flow field. Using solutions of a polymer with a molecular weight greater than about 1,000,000, fibers with a tensile strength and tensile modulus of at least 0.1 and 0.5 GPa, respectively, can be readily obtained. Crystallization from a xylene solution within the range from about 35.degree. to about 45.degree. C. is particularly effective.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing electricity from a fuel gas containing hydrogen and/or compounds capable of dissociating into hydrogen ions using a solid electrolyte concentration cell and a catalyst. A novel solid electrolyte membrane is used which comprises an organic polymer-inorganic compound blend prepared by admixing an organic polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) with a heteropoly acid or salt thereof such as dodecamolybdophosphoric acid or uranyl orthophosphate in a mutually miscible solvent.

Abstract: Electrochromic display devices which will maintain coloration after the electric current has been removed will comprise an electronic conductor consisting of a support which may be electrically conductive per se or contain an electronic conductor thereon, an electrochromic material in contact with said conductor, a solid electrolyte comprising a blend of an organic polymer and a heteropoly acid or salt thereof disposed on said electrochromic material and a counter-electrode in contact with the solid electrolyte. By utilizing this type of solid electrolyte, it is possible to obtain a display device which may range from about 5 to about 100 microns in thickness.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting and measuring hydrogen and compounds capable of dissociating into or combining with hydrogen ions using a solid electrolyte concentration cell. A solid reference substance is used in place of a reference gas. A novel solid electrolyte membrane is used which comprises an organic polymer-inorganic compound blend prepared by admixing an organic polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) with a heteropoly acid or salt thereof such as dodecamolybdophosphoric acid or uranyl orthophosphate in a mutually miscible solvent.

Abstract: Gas separation membranes comprising an organic polymer-inorganic compound blend may be prepared by admixing an organic polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) with a heteropoly acid or salt thereof such as dodecamolybdophosphoric acid in a mutually miscible solvent. After allowing the mixture to react for a period of time sufficient to form a blend, the solution may be cast on an appropriate casting surface and, after the solvent has been evaporated, the desired membrane which may have a thickness of from about 1 to about 50 microns is recovered.

Abstract: The peel strength of metal-clad polymers such as a polyimide polymer may be increased by treating said polymer with a gas plasma prior to the deposition of the metal thereon. The gas plasma is provided for by the introduction of a gas such as helium, argon, compositions of gases such as carbon tetrafluoride and oxygen over the surface of the polymer while said polymer is in an electrical field in which the power may range from about 3.8.times.10.sup.-3 watts/cm.sup.2 to about 100 watts/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: The peel strength of metal-clad polymers may be increased by treating a polymer such as polysulfone with a gas plasma prior to the deposition of the metal thereon. The gas plasma is provided for by the introduction of a gas such as helium, argon, etc. over the surface of the polymer while said polymer is in an electric field in which the power may range from about 50 to about 15,000 watts.