Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning air. An air cleaner includes a housing that defines an airflow pathway and a catalytic reactor having a catalyst secured on a porous substrate that is disposed transverse to the airflow pathway. Preferably, the catalyst includes a light activated oxidizing photocatalyst or a thermally activated oxidizing catalyst. A photocatalytic reactor will include a light source directed at a light activated oxidizing photocatalyst, such as TiO2 particles or a binary oxide particle species, which is disposed on the porous substrate. Most preferably, a metal catalyst is disposed on the photocatalyst particles at a concentration or loading between about 0.01 wt % and about 5 wt %. The air cleaner may further comprise an adsorption matrix upstream of the catalytic reactor, optionally in combination with a heater. A particulate filter and/or an electrostatic precipitator may also be disposed upstream of the adsorption matrix and the catalytic reactor.

Abstract: A chemical sensor for detecting the presence of one or more analytes. The sensor comprises at least one electrode pair and a photopolymerized electrically conducting polymer composition disposed in contact between each of the electrode pairs. Each polymer composition may include an organic polymer capable of interacting with one or more analytes. The sensor also comprises a means for delivering an analyte to each polymer composition, and a means for processing the resultant electronic signal from each polymer composition and electrode pair. Preferably, the sensor comprises a plurality of different polymer compositions, each with a dedicated electrode pair, to generate a collection of signals that provide a fingerprint unique to a particular analyte.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy having a solid electrolyte is disclosed. The apparatus has a chamber made of an electronically insulating material, a solid electrolyte coupled to the chamber and an electrode disposed in the chamber. A biasing member is used to urge the electrode towards the solid electrolyte and urge the solid electrolyte toward the substrate. The solid electrolyte is designed to contact the surface to be tested directly with no corrosive or otherwise harmful effect to the surface. A method for the detection of corrosion in bare or coated metallic substrates is also provided.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a target analyte using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) that has been imprinted with the target analyte. The MIP may be used as a working electrode in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy by either coating a substrate or being pressed into a disk.

Abstract: A chemical sensor for detecting the presence of one or more analytes. The sensor comprises at least one electrode pair and a photopolymerized electrically conducting polymer composition disposed in contact between each of the electrode pairs. Each polymer composition may include an organic polymer capable of interacting with one or more analytes. The sensor also comprises a means for delivering an analyte to each polymer composition, and a means for processing the resultant electronic signal from each polymer composition and electrode pair. Preferably, the sensor comprises a plurality of different polymer compositions, each with a dedicated electrode pair, to generate a collection of signals that provide a fingerprint unique to a particular analyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for electrochemically converting anhydrous hydrogen halide, such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen bromide and hydrogen iodide, to essentially dry halogen gas, such as chlorine, fluorine, bromine and iodine gas, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for electrochemically converting anhydrous hydrogen chloride to essentially dry chlorine gas. This process allows the production of high-purity chlorine gas. In this process, molecules of essentially anhydrous hydrogen chloride are transported through an inlet of an electrochemical cell. The molecules of the essentially anhydrous hydrogen chloride are oxidized at the anode of the cell to produce essentially dry chlorine gas and protons, which are transported through the membrane of the cell. The transported protons are reduced at the cathode to form either hydrogen gas, water or hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the conversion of methane in solution or gas provides photochemical conversion in a unique two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in each pore of a semiconductor membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In a three-phase system, gaseous oxidant, methane contained in a liquid, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst having a metal catalyst disposed thereon meet and engage in an efficient conversion reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that of a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved proton exchange membrane for use in electrochemical cells having internal passages parallel to the membrane surface comprising permanent tubes preferably placed at the ends of the fluid passages. The invention also provides an apparatus and process for making the membrane, membrane and electrode assemblies fabricated using the membrane, and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise. The passages in the membrane extend from one edge of the membrane to another and allow fluid flow through the membrane and give access directly to the membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mineralizing organic contaminants in water or air provides photochemical oxidation in a two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in the pores of a TiO.sub.2 membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In the three-phase system, gaseous (liquid) oxidant, liquid (gaseous) contaminant, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst meet and engage in an efficient oxidation reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that of a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors. The photocatalytic reactor operates effectively at ambient temperature and low pressures. A packed-bed photoreactor using photocatalyst coated particles is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mineralizing organic contaminants in water or air provides photochemical oxidation in a unique two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in each pore of a TiO.sub.2 membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In the three-phase system, gaseous oxidant, liquid contaminant, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst having a metal catalyst disposed thereon meet and engage in an efficient oxidation reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that of a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors. The photocatalytic reactor operates effectively at ambient temperature and low pressures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas humidifier for the humidification of reactant gases supplied to electrochemical devices such as electrolyzers and fuel cells. The humidifier provides a water permeable member, such as a polymer membrane in the form of a tube, sheet, tubulated sheet and the like, that can be saturated with water to allow evaporation of water into a gas stream passing over a water permeable member. The humidifier is compact and lightweight, yet provides efficient humidification of gases at flow rates as low as about 0.1 grams per minute of water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bipolar membrane and methods for making and using the membrane. The bipolar membrane comprises a cation-selective region, an anion-selective region, an interfacial region between the anion-selective region and the cation-selective region, and means for delivering fluid directly into the interfacial region. The means for delivering fluid includes passages that may comprise a fluid-permeable material, a wicking material, an open passage disposed within the membrane or some combination thereof. The passages may be provided in many shapes, sizes and configurations, but preferably deliver fluid directly to the interfacial region so that the rate of electrodialysis is no longer limited by the diffusion of fluid through the cation- or anion-selective regions to the interfacial region.

Abstract: The invention provides in improved proton exchange membrane for use in electrochemical cells having internal passages parallel to the membrane surface, an apparatus and process for making the membrane, membrane and electrode assemblies fabricated using the membrane, and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise. The passages in the membrane extend from one edge of the membrane to another and allow fluid flow through the membrane and give access directly to the membrane for purposes of hydration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mineralizing organic contaminants in water or air provides photochemical oxidation in a unique two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in each pore of a TiO.sub.2 membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In the three-phase system, gaseous oxidant, liquid contaminant, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst meet and engage in an efficient oxidation reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that o f a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors. The photocatalytic reactor operates effectively at ambient temperature and low pressures.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved proton exchange membrane for use in electrochemical cells having internal passages parallel to the membrane surface, an apparatus and process for making the membrane, membrane and electrode assemblies fabricated using the membrane, and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise. The passages in the membrane extend from one edge of the membrane to another and allow fluid flow through the membrane and give access directly to the membrane for purposes of hydration.