Patent ID: 9200373
Filing Date: 2015-12-01
Classification: C25B

Abstract:
1. A method for simultaneously quantifying an alkane and oxygen using a single sensor, the method comprising: supplying an alkane gas to an interface between an activated surface of a platinum or palladium working electrode and an ionic liquid electrolyte, whereby the alkane adsorbs at or near an interface complex formed at the interface, wherein the ionic liquid electrolyte is a 1-alkyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide selected from the group consisting of 1-ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-pentyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-hexyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-heptyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-octyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-nonyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and 1-decyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and combinations thereof; supplying the alkane gas in the presence of oxygen to the interface; while the alkane gas in the presence of oxygen is supplied to the interface, applying a positive electrode potential to the platinum or palladium working electrode, thereby causing oxidation of the adsorbed alkane to form a reaction product; quantifying a concentration of the alkane using an alkane anodic current or an alkane anodic current density at the positive electrode potential; and using the alkane as an internal standard to calibrate oxygen detection.