ELECTRIC-FIELD ENHANCED PERFORMANCE IN CATALYSIS AND SOLID-STATE DEVICES INVOLVING GASES

摘要

An Electrode configuration for electric field enhanced performance in a catalyst and solid-state device involving gas is provided. According to an embodiment, an electric-field electrode can be incorporated in a device such as a gas sensor and a fuel cell to shape an electric field provided with respect to a sensing electrode for the gas sensor and the surface of the fuel cell. The shaped electric fields can alter surface dynamics, system thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and adsorption/desorption processes. In one embodiment, a ring-shaped electric-field electrode can be provided around a sensing electrode of a planar gas sensor.