Electric-Field Enhanced Performance in Catalysis and Solid-State Devices Involving Gases

摘要

Electrode configurations for electric-field enhanced performance in catalysis and solid-state devices involving gases are provided. According to an embodiment, electric-field electrodes can be incorporated in devices such as gas sensors and fuel cells to shape an electric field provided with respect to sensing electrodes for the gas sensors and surfaces of the fuel cells. The shaped electric fields can alter surface dynamics, system thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and adsorption/desorption processes. In one embodiment, ring-shaped electric-field electrodes can be provided around sensing electrodes of a planar gas sensor.

主权项

1. An electrochemical cell, comprising:
a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises an electrolyte; at least two sensing electrodes, wherein the at least two sensing electrodes are positioned on the substrate, wherein the at least two sensing electrodes are in electrical contact with the electrolyte; a means for creating an electric field proximate at least one of the at least two sensing electrodes; a means for measuring a characteristic with respect to one or more of the at least two sensing electrodes, wherein creating the electric field proximate the at least two sensing electrodes alters the measured characteristic.