Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for and a method of detecting carbon monoxide in gas streams containing hydrogen. The sensor acts as a fuel cell and is comprised of a centrally placed membrane electrode assembly upon each side of which is positioned a current collector which has gas inlets that allow gas to flow to the membrane electrode assembly. Plates are positioned on each of the exterior surfaces of the current collectors such that when assembled, one side of the CO sensor forms an anode and the other side forms a cathode. At a constant voltage, a sample gas passes through the sensor such that low levels of Platinum on the sensor facilitate the detection of carbon monoxide. A reader attached to the sensor interprets the concentration of carbon monoxide and air is passed through the sensor for recalibration as needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for and a method of detecting carbon monoxide in gas streams containing hydrogen. The sensor acts as a fuel cell and is comprised of a centrally placed membrane electrode assembly upon each side of which is positioned a current collector which has gas inlets that allow gas to flow to the membrane electrode assembly. Plates are positioned on each of the exterior surfaces of the current collectors such that when assembled, one side of the CO sensor forms an anode and the other side forms a cathode. At a constant voltage, a sample gas passes through the sensor such that low levels of Platinum on the sensor facilitate the detection of carbon monoxide. A reader attached to the sensor interprets the concentration of carbon monoxide and air is passed through the sensor for recalibration as needed.

Abstract: A precursor material is superoxidized to a superconducting oxide material in an atmosphere containing a reactive component that reacts with and removes hydroxide ion (OH.sup.-), replacing it with peroxide ion (O.sup.-). Preferred reactive components include H.sub.2 O.sub.2, N.sub.2 O, and I.sub.2. The reactive component reacts with and removes hydroxide ion from the precursor material, to reach a higher oxidation state in the superconducting oxide material than possible by oxidation in molecular oxygen. The use of such a reactive component permits both faster oxidation of the precursor material at conventional temperatures and the use of lower temperatures to achieve oxidation.

Abstract: High temperature superconducting oxide materials can be taken to a higher, but stable, state of oxidation by removing H-impurities, such as OH.sup.-, using I.sub.2 /O.sub.2 mixtures in a reactive atmosphere process. A higher T.sub.c and a narrower .DELTA.T-transition result.