Abstract: Provided is a method for making a supported metal catalyst. The method includes forming a mixture comprising a high surface area support, a reducing agent precursor that decomposes to produce reducing gases below about 1200° C., and a metal catalyst precursor. The mixture is heated to a temperature sufficient to decompose the reducing agent precursor to produce a reducing agent, and then cooled to form the supported metal catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical gas sensor for measuring gas concentrations of chemical species. More particularly, the invention relates to an electrochemical sensor that measures ammonia and total nitrogen oxides.

Abstract: A mixed potential sensor for oxidizable or reducible gases and a method of making. A substrate is provided and two electrodes are formed on a first surface of the substrate, each electrode being formed of a different catalytic material selected to produce a differential voltage between the electrodes from electrochemical reactions of the gases catalyzed by the electrode materials. An electrolytic layer of an electrolyte is formed over the electrodes to cover a first portion of the electrodes from direct exposure to the gases with a second portion of the electrodes uncovered for direct exposure to the gases.

Abstract: A solid state electrochemical gas sensor for detecting trace amounts of explosive materials and a method of detecting such explosives. The sensor has at least two electrodes. The at least two electrodes include a first catalytic electrode and a second catalytic electrode that are dissimilar and an electrolyte disposed between the first catalytic electrode and the second catalytic electrode. The sensor detects at least one gaseous specie emitted by the explosive material. At least one of a potential difference and a current flow is generated by at least one of catalytic and electrochemical reactions of the gaseous species emitted by the explosive material on one of the first catalytic electrode, second catalytic electrode, and the electrolyte. An explosive detection system that incorporates such sensors and methods is also described.

Abstract: A method of making electrochemical sensors in which an electrolyte material is cast into a tape. Prefabricated electrodes are then partially embedded between two wet layers of the electrolyte tape to form a green sensor, and the green sensor is then heated to sinter the electrolyte tape around the electrodes. The resulting sensors can be used in applications such as, but not limited to, combustion control, environmental monitoring, and explosive detection. A electrochemical sensor formed by the tape-casting method is also disclosed.