Abstract: A supported electrocatalyst for use in fuel cell electrodes wherein support carbon particles have nitrogen containing groups chemically bonded to their surface and a high surface area electrocatalyst metal or alloy thereof supported thereon, the nitrogen containing groups providing force interaction between the nitrogen containing groups and the electrocatalyst metal or alloy. Fuel cell electrodes, particularly gas diffusion electrodes, having the above described supported electrocatalyst therein. A process for production of a fuel cell electrode having the above described supported electrocatalyst. Especially preferred are amide groups chemically bonded to the carbon particles supporting a platinum catalyst and fabricated into a diffusion electrode for use in a phosphoric acid fuel cell. The fuel cell electrodes of the invention maintain high electrocatalyst surface area during fuel cell operation and thus maintain stability during extended times of fuel cell operation.

Abstract: A secondary zinc/oxygen electrochemical cell utilizing a circulating aqueous inorganic oxyacid electrolyte and having an external load circuit or charging circuit in electronic communication with the anode and cathode, the circuit being completed by ionic interaction through an ionic separator between the catholyte and anolyte. The electrochemical cell of this invention provides a process for production of electricity and may be recharged by providing electrical energy from the external circuit.

Abstract: Noxious gases are electrochemically detected and measured in the presence of carbon monoxide using a device employing an electrochemical cell whose sensing electrode comprises a carbon supported gold catalyst and is maintained at a fixed potential of about 0.4 volt to about 1.5 volt with respect to a reversible hydrogen electrode in said electrolyte of the electrochemical cell. In its preferred form the sensing electrode comprises carbon particles containing catalytic amounts of gold bonded to a hydrophobic material to provide a diffusion electrode.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide in gaseous samples containing hydrogen is detected by first heating the gas sample in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature of at least 700.degree. C. in a non-catalytic reaction zone to selectively oxidize the hydrogen to water and then passing the gaseous reaction products from the selective oxidation to a carbon monoxide analyzer.

Abstract: In the detection and measuring of NO, NO.sub.2 and mixtures thereof, a unit comprising in combination intake means, an electrochemical cell, means for drawing the gas through said intake means and into said electrochemical cell at a controlled flow rate, readout means for reading the quantity of gas detected, the electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode, a reference electrode at which substantially no current flows and an aqueous electrolyte in contact with said anode, cathode and reference electrode, means for exposing said anode to said gas, means for maintaining said anode at a fixed potential relative to the reference electrode in excess of 1.5 V up to about 1.9 V with respect to a reversible hydrogen electrode in said electrolyte of said first electrochemical cell, the anode of said first electrochemical cell comprising a gold catalyst bonded to a hydrophobic material to provide a diffusion electrode.

Abstract: Noxious gases are electrochemically detected and measured in the presence of carbon monoxide using a device employing an electrochemical cell whose sensing electrode comprises a carbon supported gold catalyst and is maintained at a fixed potential of about 0.4 volt to about 1.5 volt with respect to a reversible hydrogen electrode in said electrolyte of the electrochemical cell. In its preferred form the sensing electrode comprises carbon particles containing catalytic amounts of gold bonded to a hydrophobic material to provide a diffusion electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for the detection and measurement of nitrogen dioxide (NO.sub.2) and nitric oxide (NO) in a gaseous medium.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode and a reference electrode operating in an aqueous electrolyte is utilized for detection of noxious gases in air. The gas is oxidized at the anode and detection thereof occurs as a result of the current generated by the reaction. A fixed potential difference is maintained between the anode and the reference electrode to avoid generation of undesired current from reactions involving an oxygen-water redox couple within the cell which would invalidate anode-cathode current for gas detection purposes. The fixed potential is chosen from within the range of about 0.9 to 1.5 volts.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode and a reference electrode operating in an aqueous electrolyte is utilized for detection of noxious gases in air. The gas is oxidized at the anode and detection thereof occurs as a result of the current generated by the reaction. A fixed potential difference is maintained between the anode and the reference electrode to avoid generation of undesired current from reactions involving an oxygen-water redox couple within the cell which would invalidate anode-cathode current for gas detection purposes. The fixed potential is chosen from within the range of about 0.9 to 1.5 volts.

Abstract: A device for the detection of and quantitative measurement of a gas in a given environment, such as alcohol in the breath or carbon monoxide in the atmosphere, is described. The device comprises intake and flow control means for the gas sample, and an electrochemical cell having an anode which provides a site for electrochemical reaction of the gas being detected, a cathode, a reference electrode, and an electrolyte in contact with the anode, cathode, and reference electrode. The anode, to ensure that the current production is a result of the gas being detected and not other gases, including oxygen, is maintained at a fixed potential in relation to the potential of the reference electrode. The device provides an accurate and inexpensive means of detecting and quantitatively measuring a gas contained in a given environment, i.e., alcohol in the breath of the subject being tested or carbon monoxide in the atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode and a reference electrode operating in an aqueous electrolyte is utilized for detection of noxious gases in air. The gas is oxidized at the anode and detection thereof occurs as a result of the current generated by the reaction. A fixed potential difference is maintained between the anode and the reference electrode to avoid generation of undesired current from reactions involving an oxygen-water redox couple within the cell which would invalidate anode-cathode current for gas detection purposes. The fixed potential is chosen from within the range of about 0.9 to 1.5 volts.