METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING HYDROGEN-CONTAINING HYDROGEN-POSITIVE GASES

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting and measuring hydrogen and gaseous compounds capable of dissociating into or combining with hydrogen ions using a novel solid electrolyte membrane which comprises a three-component blend prepared by admixing an organic polymer or copolymer, such as poly(vinyl alcohol), with an inorganic compound, such as a phosphoric acid, and an organic compound selected from a group of polymers and copolymers having monomer units containing nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms, such as poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).

Description: This invention relates to electrochemical measurement and detection of hydrogen or substances capable of reacting with hydrogen. More specifically, it relates to the use of a novel solid proton-conducting electrolyte membrane and a catalyst in detecting the presence in a sample gas of hydrogen or gases capable of dissociating to yield or to combine with hydrogen ions, including oxygen, and measuring the quantity present relative to a known reference substance. The solid electrolyte membrane may be formed by blending an inorganic compound, an organic polymer or copolymer, and an organic compound selected from a group of polymers and copolymers having monomer units containing nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms, or by compositing a membrane comprising these components with a porous support. This invention also involves the use of a reference substance in gaseous or solid form. US-A-4500667 describes protonconducting membranes which comprise various blends of organic polymers with inorganic compounds selected from heteropolyacids and salts thereof. US-A-4024036 describes a proton permselective solid state member capable of exhibiting ionic conductivity. US-A-3265536, -4306774, -3276910 and -4179491 deal with substances capable of conducting hydrogen ions. An article by Lundsgaard, J.S., et al, "A Novel Hydrogen Gas Sensor Based on Hydrogen URANYL Phosphate," Solid State Ionics 7 (1982) 53-56, North Holland Publishing Co., describes experiments done using a substance which conducts hydrogen ions. A hydrogen detector using more complex methods than that of the invention may be seen in US-A-4373375 and on page 8 of Platinum Metals Review 27.1 (January 1983), Johnson Matthey, London. Three references showing hydrogen detectors which use an entirely different principle than the present invention are US-A-4324760 and -4324761 and an article on page 29 of the August 1972 Instrumentation Technology . US-A-4560444 discloses apparatus for detecting in a gas sample, a geseous component which can be catalytically dissociated to form hydrogen ions, or to combine with hydrogen ions. The apparatus comprises a membrane with respective surfaces in contact with a sample gas chamber and a reference chamber, and having a portion of catalytic agent on each surface, with means providing electrical connection between the portions of catalytic agent. The membrane is formed from a blend of heteropolyacid or salt, and a polymer, and is generally similar to that disclosed in the above-mentioned US-A-4500667. The present invention provides an improved membrane comprising polymer, an inorganic acid (or salt thereof) and certain polymers having hetero atoms; apparatus incorporating such a membrane, and a method of using the apparatus to detect a component in a gas sample. This invention provides a thin film polymer-blend proton-conducting membrane which comprises a combination of an organic polymer or copolymer, an inorganic compound selected from phosphoric acids, sulfuric acids, heteropoly acids and salts of heteropoly acids, and an organic compound selected from polymers and copolymers having monomer units containing nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms, which organic compound is compatible with said inorganic compound and said organic polymer. This invention also provides apparatus for detection, in a gas sample, of a gaseous component which is capable, in the presence of a catalytic agent, of dissociating to yield, hydrogen ions or of combining with hydrogen ions comprising: (a) a membrane as defined above. (b) a membrane housing comprising a sample gas chamber and a chamber containing a reference substance separated by a partition comprising said membrane, said membrane having a first surface in common with the sample gas chamber and a second surface in common with the reference substance chamber; (c) a first catalytic agent effective to promote dissociation and combination of hydrogen ions in contact with said first surface and a second catalytic agent effective to promote dissociation and combination of hydrogen ions in contact with said second surface (d) means for forming electrical connection in operative contact with said first catalytic agent at said first surface and with said second catalytic agent at said second surface and for measuring an EMF signal between said surfaces; and, (e) means for introducing the gas sample into said sample gas chamber and means for correlating the resulting EMF signal with the existence or amount of said gaseous compound. The invention also provides a method for detection, in a gas sample, of a gaseous component which is capable, in the presence of a catalytic agent, of dissociating to yield hydrogen ions or of combining with hydrogen ions, such method comprising introducing said gas sample into the sample gas chamber of the apparatus described above, measuring the EMF signal generated therein and correlating the resulting EMF signal with the existence or amount of said gaseous component. The present invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting gaseous hydrogen, hydrogen ion, dissociable hydrogen compounds, and substances capable of combining with hydrogen ion, in order to indicate the presence or absence of these substances and, where desired, provide quantitative information on the amount present. The novel three component solid electrolyte membrane embodies the discovery that a macroscopically homogeneous thin film polymer-blend membrane may be fabricated from a mixture of an inorganic compound, with an organic polymer or copolymer and an organic compound, selected from polymers and copolymers having monomer units containing nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms, where the three components are at least partially compatible that is, they do not interact to prevent formation of a membrane which is capable of acting as a proton conductor in a hydrogen detector where molecular hydrogen is converted into protons on one side of the membrane, protons are then transported through the membrane, and protons are recombined with electrons to form molecular hydrogen on the other side. The membrane is also useful in detection of gases capable of dissociating into or combining with hydrogen ions. In addition, the three components utilized to make the membrane may be composited with or on a porous support to form a supported membrane which possesses increased strength as well as being a protonic conductor. Examples of material used for such porous support include glass cloth, polysulfone and ceramics. In the apparatus according to the invention, the sample gas chamber contains the gas sample of interest, which must include a component capable of dissociating to form hydrogen ions or capable of combining with hydrogen ions. In the other chamber is a reference gas whose composition is known or a solid reference substance which exhibits a substantially constant known hydrogen partial pressure during use of the invention. Molecular transport through the membrane should be sufficiently slow so that gases will not mix by diffusing through it. A catalytic agent for promotion of dissociation to hydrogen ions or combination with hydrogen ions is in intimate contact with the membrane on the sample gas side. Another catalytic agent is also provided in a like manner on the reference side. It is not necessary that the same catalytic agent be used on both sides. Means for forming electrical contact and transferring electrons to and from an external circuit are provided on each side of the electrolyte in intimate contact with the catalytic agents. The cell electromotive force (EMF) is measured across said means for forming electrical contact and provides an indication of the presence of hydrogen or gases capable of combining with it in the sample gas and/or a quantitative measure of the amount of such which is present. A calculating device may be used to automatically calculate concentrations, or calculation may be accomplished manually. This device may receive input from a temperature probe, or temperature may be entered manually for use in the calculation. Temperature of the gas or gases and/or the membrane housing may be controlled at a pre-established value. The catalytic agent may be platinum, palladium, or alloys thereof. The catalytic agent may be electrically conductive. Where temperature of the sample gas is too high or low for effective detection, it may be adjusted before the gas is contacted with the electrolyte element. It may be necessary to adjust the concentration, in a known manner, of sample gas contacting the membrane in order to achieve effective detection. The present invention utilizes a solid electolyte sensor for detection of certain gases. The Nernst equation describes the behavior of sensing devices using solid electrolytes. When two media with different partial pressures, P1 and P2, of a particular substance present in both media are separated by a solid electrolyte (ionic conductor) and conducting electrodes are attached to both sides of the ionic conductor, an EMF is generated which is related to the partial pressures as follows: where R is the gas constant, T is absolute temperature, F is the Faraday constant, Eo is the standard oxidation-reduction potential difference, EMF is electromotive force, and n is the number of electrons per molecule of product from the overall cell reaction. If the system described by the above equation behaves nonideally, the partial pressures must be replaced by fugacities. Another factor which may need to be considered in regard to a particular system is the rate of dissociation to form the ions which pass through the solid electrolyte. This may be a limiting factor to the transfer of ions through the electrolyte. The rate of dissociation can be calculated by means of the equilibrium constant for the dissociation reaction. The magnitude of EMF produced is generally in accordance with the parameters discussed herein: the Nernst equation and, where applicable, the dissociation equilibrium constant. However, required practice in measuring concentration is to periodically calibrate the measuring apparatus by use of samples whose composition is known. Thus, exact adherence to theoretical relationships is not required of commercially used methods and apparatus. The primary commercial requirement is repeatability. It has now been discovered that a macroscopically homogeneous thin film polymer-blend membrane may be fabricated by admixing the organic and inorganic components discussed herein. Substances which are permerable by gases in a selective manner are known and utilized in a variety of applications. A membrane formed in accordance with the present disclosure is substantially impermeable to ions and gases, including hydrogen gas, but does allow hydrogen ions to pass through it. For background information relating to the principles of the present invention, reference may be made to the book Solid Electrolytes and Their Applications , edited by Subbarao, Plenum Press, 1980. Low mechanical strength has been a common problem when attempting to apply permselective membranes. The present invention provides a membrane whose mechanical strength is increased by compositing it with other materials, but whose desirable properties are not lost as a result of doing so. Also used in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a solid substance which is a substitute for a reference gas, which reference gas is one of the two media mentioned above in the discussion of the Nernst equation. It is highly desirable to use a solid reference substance which requires only periodic replacement instead of maintaining a continuous reference gas flow, or in appropriate situations maintaining a sealed chamber of reference gas. The reference substance is in intimate contact with the catalytic agent on the reference side of the membrane. One substance may service as both reference substance and catalytic agent. Figure 1 is a schematic representation, in cross-section, of a test sensor similar to that used in initial proof of principle experimentation. The drawing is not to scale. Figure 2 is a schematic representation, in cross-section, of a test sensor which may be used in experimentation for the embodiment which utilizes a solid reference substance. It is not to scale. Figure 3 is a portion of a phase diagram of a solid reference substance capable of use in an embodiment of the present invention, in which hydrogen partial pressure of the substance is plotted against the amount of hydrogen in the substance. If the plot were extended to larger amounts of hydrogen, several plateaus might appear. Figure 4 depicts, in a sectional view, a sensor with a sealed reference chamber mounted on a pipeline. It is not to scale and has non-essential elements omitted. Figure 5 depicts an embodiment of the invention, in a sectional view, in which a membrane is part of a partition separating a sample gas chamber from a reference chamber. It has now been discovered that a useful blend of components may be obtained by admixing certain organic polymeric compounds with particular inorganic compounds, such as certain inorganic acids or salts thereof, and with certain organic compounds selected from a group of polymers and copolymers having monomer units containing nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms. The resulting composition of matter is formed into a macroscopically homogeneous thin film membrane which may be utilized in gas detection systems. The utility of these membranes in gas detection devices is due in part to the fact that the membranes will possess a high protonic conductivity, especially at room or ambient temperature. Usually, high ionic conductivity is observed in polymer complexes only when the temperature is above their glass transition temperature (Tg), that is, above the temperature at which the substance changes from its solid to a liquid (the melting point of a polymer is usually above its glass transition temperature). Indications of the change of a polymer from solid to liquid are abrupt changes in certain properties, such as coefficient of expansion and heat capacity. The polymer-blend compositions of the present invention exhibit high protonic conductivity at temperatures well below the observed glass transition temperatures of the individual homopolymers. A device utilizing an ion-conducting polymer must operate below the Tg of the polymer; the polymer is not usable at higher temperatures due to loss of strength, tackiness, etc. A polymer-blend of the present invention exhibited two glass transition temperatures, which are attributable to the polymers but occur at different values than the glass transition temperatures determined for each polymer when it is not mixed with any other substance. In addition, at a relatively low temperature, a second order transition is observed; This is attributable to the inorganic compound. Thus, it may be appreciated that there is a degree of interaction between the components, that is, at least some chemical interaction exists between the components. A distinct advantage which is possessed by the polymer-blend membranes of the present invention over other organic-inorganic blend membrane is that these membranes possess low resistivities (resistance times area divided by thickness), which are four to five orders of magnitude less than certain other organic-inorganic polymer blends. In using a gas sensor of the type of the present invention it is necessary to measure the output voltage. When utilizing a membrane of the instant invention, it will be possible to use a voltage measuring device of lower impedance. Use of such a device will result in a simplified and lower cost electronics package for a commercial hydrogen sensor. A voltmeter should have an impedance (AC resistance) at least 3 orders of magnitude greater than that of the system in which it is used for measurement; high impedance voltage measuring devices are more costly than those of low impedance. In addition, a device with reduced impedance is less sensitive to electromagnetic interference than a high impedance device. This permits the device to be located in an electrically noisy environment without adversely affecting its performance. The membrane of the present invention comprises a blend of an organic polymer or copolymer, one of certain inorganic compounds, and an organic compound selected from a group of polymers and copolymers having monomer units containing nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms, which organic compound is at least partially compatible with the inorganic compound and organic polymer. Examples of organic polymers which may be employed as one component of the blend of the present invention will include polymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, vinyl fluoride, ethylene oxide, ethylimine, ethylene glycol, cellulose acetate, vinylmethylethyl ether, phenol formaldehyde resins, etc. The inorganic compound is selected from a group consisting of a phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid, heteropoly acids, or salts of heteropoly acids. Examples of phosphoric acids which may be employed will include hypophosphoric acid, metaphosphoric acid, orthophosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid, etc. The sulfuric acid which is employed will comprise an aqueous sulfuric acid which may contain from 10% to 40% sulfuric acid in the aqueous solution. Examples of heteropoly acids or salts thereof which may be employed as a component of the organic-inorganic blend which may be used to form a membrane will possess the generic formula: A m (X x Y y O z ) .n H₂O in which X is selected from boron, aluminum, gallium, silicon, germanium, tin, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, selenium, tellurium, iodine, and the first, second, third and fourth transitional metal series, said series including scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, actinium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum and tungsten, Y is different from X and is selected from the first, second, third, or fourth transitional metal series, A is selected from hydrogen, ammonium, sodium, potassium, lithium, rubidium, cesium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium, m is 1 to 10, y is 6 to 12 based on x taken as 1, z is 30 to 80 and n is 3 to 100. Specific examples of these compounds will include dodecamolybdophosphoric acid (DMPA), ammonium molybdophosphate, sodium molybdophosphate, potassium molybdophosphate, lithium molybdophosphate, calcium molybdophosphate, magnesium molybdophosphate, dodecatungstophosphoric acid, ammonium tungstophosphate, sodium tungstophosphate, potassium tungstophosphate, lithium tungstophosphate, calcium tungstophosphate, magnesium tungstophosphate, dodecamolybdosilicic acid, ammonium molybdosilicate, sodium molybdosilicate, potassium molybdosilicate, lithium molybdosilicate, calcium molybdosilicate, magnesium molybdosilicate, dodecamolybdogermanic acid, ammonium molybdogermanate, sodium molybdogermanate, potassium molybdogermanate, lithium molybdogermanate, calcium molybodgermanate, magnesium molybdogermanate, hexamolybdotelluric acid, ammonium molybdotellurate, sodium molybdotellurate, potassium molybdotellurate, lithium molybdotellurate, calcium molybdotellurate, magnesium molybdotellurate, dodecatungstosilicic acid, ammonium tungstosilicate, sodium tungstosilicate, potassium tungstosilicate, lithium tungstosilicate, calcium tungstosilicate, magnesium tungstosilicate, etc. The third component of the thin film polymer blend membrane of the present invention is an organic compound selected from polymers and copolymers having monomer units containing nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms, which organic compound is at least partially compatible with the aforementioned inorganic compounds and organic polymers and will include poly(ethyloxazoline), poly(vinyl sulfonic acid), poly(vinyl pyridine), poly(vinyl pyrrolidene), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), polyimide, poly(acrylamide), etc. It is also contemplated within the scope of this invention that polymers of other organic compounds containing a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur atoms such as poly(vinyl-substituted furans) etc. may also be employed, although not necessarily with equivalent results. It is desirable to select a compound which has a relatively high heat distortion temperature in comparison to the other components of the blend and is relatively hygroscopic. It is also desirable that this third component be at least partially miscible with the other components. It is to be understood that the aforementioned listing of inorganic compounds, organic polymers, and organic compounds are only representative of the class of compounds which may be employed in formulating the inorganic-organic blends of the present invention, and that this invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The novel compositions of matter used in the present invention are prepared by admixing the three components of the blend in a mutually miscible solvent at solution conditions for a period of time sufficient to form the desired blend. In the preferred membrane the mutually miscible solvent which is employed to dissolve the components comprises water, although it is contemplated within the scope of this application that any other mutually miscible solvent, either inorganic or organic in nature may also be employed. The mixing of the three components of the composition of matter may be affected at solution conditions which will include a temperature from ambient (20-25°C) up to the boiling point of the mutually miscible solvent which, for example, in the case of water is 100°C. As an example, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), poly(vinyl alcohol), and orthophosphoric acid may be placed in a flask and dissolved in water which has been heated to 100°C. The blend is cast upon a suitable casting surface which may consist of any suitable material sufficiently smooth in nature so as to provide a surface free of any defects which may cause imperfections on the surface of the membrane. Examples of suitable casting surfaces may include metals such as stainless steel, aluminium, etc., glass, polymer or ceramics. After casting the solution upon the surface, the solvent is then removed by any conventional means including natural evaporation or forced evaporation by the application of elevated temperatures, whereby said solvent is evaporated and the desired membrane comprising a thin film of the polymeric blend is formed. The thickness of the film can be controlled by the amounts of the various components of the blend which are present in the reaction mixture or by the depth of the casting vessel. The thin film organic-inorganic blend which is prepared according to the process of the present invention will possess a thickness which may range from 0.1 to over 500 µm, and preferably from 20 to 60 µm. The amounts of inorganic compound, organic polymer or copolymer, and organic compound used in the blend may vary over a relatively wide range. For example, the inorganic compound which comprises a phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, heteropoly acid or salts thereof may be present in the blend or membrane in a range of 1 to 75 weight percent (preferably 30 to 60), the organic polymer may be present in the blend or membrane in a range of 1 to 49 weight percent, and the organic compound containing a nitrogen atom, etc., may be present in the blend or membrane in a range of 1 to 49 weight percent. Whenever a composition is expressed herein, it is to be understood that it is based, in the case of polymers, on the monomer repeat unit. Some representative examples of a thin film polymer blend membrane which may be prepared will comprise orthophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(vinyl pyrrodolidone), pyrophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), sulfuric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(ethyloxazoline), dodecamolybdophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(ethyloxazoline), dodecatungstophosphoric acid-poly-(vinyl alcohol)poly(acrylamide), dodecamolybdosilicic acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(acrylamide), ammonium molybdophosphate-poly(vinyl fluoride)-poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), orthophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(vinyl pyrrolidene), pyrophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly (ethyloxazoline), sulfuric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-polyimide, dodecamolybdophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), dodecatungstophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(ethyloxazoline), ammonium molybdophosphate-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), orthophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(acrylamide), sulfuric acid-poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(acrylamide), dodecatungstophosphoric-acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(vinyl sulfonic acid), and ammonium molybdosulfate-cellulose acetate-poly(vinyl sulfonic acid). It is also to be contemplated within the scope of this invention that the thin film polymer blend membranes may, if so desired be composited on a solid porous support whereby increased structural strength will be imparted to the membrane. These membranes will possess the same desirable characteristics as the unsupported membranes, such as tensile strength, mechanical properties, electrical properties, yield strength, etc., and in addition, will also possess added structural strength, thus permitting the membrane to be utilized in such devices where the membrane may be subjected to forces of increased strength. The supported membrane may be prepared in a manner similar to that set forth with regard to the unsupported membrane. For example, the thin film semipermeable portion of the membrane composite may be prepared by admixing the three components of the blend in a mutually miscible solvent at solution conditions for a period of time sufficient to form the desired blend. Again, the time of reaction which is necessary to form the desired blend will vary with the particular polymers containing a nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen atom, organic polymer and inorganic compound which have been selected to form the desired membrane. After allowing the mixture to stand for a period of time sufficient to from the desired membrane, the solution is cast upon a porous support. The porous support which is employed to increase the structural strength of the membrane will comprise a compound which possesses a porosity equal to or greater than the porosity of the thin film inorganic-organic blend. It is contemplated within the scope of this invention that any relatively open-celled foam or porous substrate which possesses a structural strength greater than the thin film membrane may be employed. Some examples of these porous supports will include compounds such as glass cloth, polysulfone, cellulose acetate, polyamides, ceramics such as alumina, glass, porcelain, etc., which have been fabricated to possess the necessary porosity, etc. The amount of blend which is cast upon the porous support will be that which is sufficient to form a thin film membrane having a thickness within the range previously set forth. After casting, the mutually miscible solvent such as water is removed by conventional means such as normal evaporation or forced evaporation by the application of external heat, application of vacuum, etc., and the desired membrane comprising the thin film blend composited on the porous support may be recovered and utilized in an appropriate gas separation apparatus or gas sensor apparatus. Examples of novel thin film inorganic-organic polymer blends which are composited on a solid support and which may be prepared according to the process of the present invention will include orthophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) composited on a glass cloth, orthophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(vinyl pyridine) composited on polysulfone, orthophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(ethyloxazoline) composited on cellulose acetate, orthophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) composited on alumina, pyrophosphoric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(acrylamide) composited on a glass cloth, etc. It is to be understood that the aforementioned list of polymer blends is only representative of the class of polymer blended membranes which may be prepared and that the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. It will be helpful in gaining an understanding of the invention to examine initial proof of principle experimentation. The information presented in regard to this experimentation is not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Three stock solutions were prepared: 10 grams of poly(vinyl alcohol) having a molecular weight of 133,000 was dissolved in 500 ml of deionized water, 5 grams of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) having a molecular weight of 40,000 was dissolved in 250 ml of deionized water, and 14.7 grams (10 ml) of 85% (by wt.) orthophosphoric acid was dissolved in 100 ml of deionized water. To prepare a novel polymer blend membrane of the present invention, 12.5 ml (0.25 gram) of stock poly(vinyl alcohol) solution, 6.4 ml (0.129 gram) of stock solution of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and 1.5 ml (0.219 gram) of stock solution of orthophosphoric acid were thoroughly admixed, the mole ratio of the resulting blending being 5:1:2 moles of poly(vinyl alcohol) to poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) to orthophosphoric acid. The solution was then poured into an evaporation dish and the water was allowed to evaporation at room temperature for a period of 16 hours. The resulting film was transparent and possessed a thickness of about 63 µm. This thin film membrane was cut into a disc having a (1") 25.4 mm diameter to form membrane 1 of Figure 1 and platinum was sputter-deposited onto each side of the disc for a period of about 5 minutes per side. The platinum deposits each had a thickness of about 40 nm (400 Angstroms) and an area of about 1.5 square cm. Deposition was accomplished by means of a Hummer II sputter deposition system supplied by Technics Co. A biased screen between the target and film was used to reduce the electron flux to the membrane. There are may alternative methods which could have been used to form the platinum deposits, such as thermal evaporation or deposition by means of an ink. The porous structure of sputter-deposited catalytic agent is helpful in facilitating spillover of hydrogen ions onto the membrane, but such structure is not required. Referring to Figure 1, membrane 1, or disc 1, was mounted in test fixture 2, which may also be referred to as a sample cell, membrane housing, or test sensor. The above-mentioned platinum deposits 5 served as catalytic agent to promote dissociation and reassociation or combination of hydrogen. Electrical connection was made to the platinum through copper platens 6, which were held in place by springs (not shown) extending between the platens and interior surfaces of the sample cell. Platens 6 did not cover the entire surface of the catalytic agent, though Figure 1 shows this to be the case. Note that when the catalytic agent is electrically conductive and not discontinuous, electrical contact need be made only at one point. However, catalytic agent need not be electrically conductive. Wire leads 3 and 4 extended from the platens out of the test fixture through means for sealing against gas leakage (not shown). Leads 3 and 4 connecting to EMF and current detection means (not shown). Membrane 1 was sealed into test fixture 2 by O-rings 7 so that there were no gas leakage paths between test gas chamber 8 and reference gas chamber 9. Tubing (not shown) was connected at the gas inlets as denoted by arrows 10 and 11 to provide as flow into chambers 8 and 9 and was also connected to the gas outlets as denoted by arrows 12 and 13 to conduct gas away from the chambers. Gas-containing cylinders and gas flow control apparatus (not shown) were used to provide gas to test the sensor of fixture 3 in accordance with the herein described experiments. Several cylinders of hydrogen/nitrogen gas mixtures were purchased; and analysis (which was not checked) of the content was supplied with each cylinder. Gas flows were established through the chambers of the sample cell with both chamber pressures at about one atmosphere, since the chambers were vented directly to atmosphere by means of a short length of tubing. One flow was pure hydrogen (hydrogen partial pressure of 1.0 atm) and the other was alternated between pure hydrogen and a 10% by volume mixture of hydrogen in nitrogen (hydrogen partial) pressure of 0.1 atm). The voltage across wires 3 and 4 was recorded by means of a standard laboratory strip chart recorder. When the flow to one chamber was alternated every 20 minutes, the voltage versus time plot was substantially perfect square wave form. Voltage varied consistently between 0.0 millivolts and 29.1 mv. Response was Nernstian; the calculated voltage is also 29.1 mv (at a room temperature of about 22oC). Note that this is open circuit voltage. Voltage deviation from theoretical was less than about 1%. When the gases (100% hydrogen and 10% hydrogen) were continuously flushed through the cell with no alternations for a period of 24 hours, the delta voltage remained at 29.1 mv for the duration of the test period. Upon connection of an ammeter to wires 3 and 4, the measured current was 0.0133 ma at the beginning of the test period and 0.0019 ma after 24 hours. The decrease in current flow over the test period is due to removal of water from the membrane, since the membrane was not completely dry. Current flow stabilized at the latter value. The resistance of the membrane was measured when 100% hydrogen was flowing through both chambers of the cell. For a 63 µm thick membrane with 1.5 cm² of platinum on each surface, the resistivity was calculated from EMF and current data to be 3.7 x 106 ohm-cm. This applies to a membrane exposed to dry gas for 24 hours. When a membrane which was not completely dry was placed under test, the initial resistance was lower. Other membranes prepared from the above-mentioned stock solutions were tested after sputter deposition of platinum. Voltage response was always Nernstian, but current flow varied. For example, a membrane was prepared by admixing 12.5 ml (0.25 gram) of the poly(vinyl alcohol) stock solution, 6.4 ml (0.13 gram) of the stock poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) solution and 1.0 ml (0.14 gram) of the stock phosphoric acid solution. The membrane had a mole ratio of 5:1:1.3 poly(vinyl alcohol) to poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) to phosphoric acid. The membrane was tested in a manner similar to that set forth above. Initial closed circuit curent was 1.3 x 10-4 ma; after 17 hours and 22 hours under test, it was 2 x 10-5 ma, corresponding to a hydrogen flux of (1.9 x 10-7 ft3/ft2-hr) 5.8 x 10-8 m3/m2 hr. Thickness of the membrane was 58 µm and resitivity was 3.8 x 108 ohm-cm. Another membrane was prepared by admixing stock solutions of poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and orthophosphoric acid in an amount sufficient to provide a molar ratio of 5:1:4 poly(vinyl alcohol) to poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) to orthophosphoric acid. The weight ratio was 30:16:54. The membrane was tested in a manner similar to that above. Initial closed circuit current was 0.022 ma; after 24 hours under test it was 0.016 ma and after 72 hours, it drifted to 0.015 ma. The latter value corresponds to a hydrogen flux of (1.4 x 10-4 ft3/ft2-hr) 4.25 x 10-5 m3/m2 hr. Thickness of the membrane was 80 microns and resistivity was 3.5 x 105 ohm-cm at 24 hours. In addition to platinum, palladium may be deposited on membranes for use as catalytic agent. Nernstian voltage response will be observed when palladium is used. Other catalytic agents are available and known to those skilled in the art. The catalytic agent need not be electrically conductive; however, then the means for forming electrical connection must be in contact with the catalytic agent over a broad area to facilitate movement of electrons from sites of the catalytic agent to the electrically conductive substance or electrode. Alternatively, catalyst may be embedded in a conductive matrix. Areas of membrane which are not adjacent to catalytic agent are not effective in the invention. Hydrogen ions spill over from the catalytic agent to the membrane and then protons move through the membrane. Response time of a sensor was noted. When the 100% hydrogen and 10% hydrogen gas streams were alternated as described above, the time required for the voltage to change between steady state values was approximately 6 seconds. It should be noted that the sample cell used is not necessarily designed for quick response. Sensors utilizing the present membrane have not yet been tested with sample gases containing small amounts of potential poisons. However, it is believed that the present membranes will exhibit the same behavior as certain other membranes which are tested. In these tests, addition of carbon monoxide in an amount of about 0.1% by volume in a hydrogen sample gas stream with a 100% hydrogen reference gas stream caused a change in EMF indicative of a large reduction in hydrogen partial pressure. This apparent drop in hydrogen concentration was much larger than the expected drop due to the effect of dilution of sample gas with CO. This is likely due to the competition by CO with molecular hydrogen for adsorption sites on platinum. No interference with the hydrogen concentration measurements was detectable when 100 PPM by volume of CO was added to a sample gas stream. It is expected that the present invention cannot be used to measure the amount of hydrogen, or other gas, present in a sample gas which also contains significant amounts of CO, or other substances which interfere in the same manner, unless the amount of Co, or other substance, is known by other means or constant. The following potential poisons did not interfere with hydrogen concentration measurements made using the other membranes: hydrogen chloride (10 PPM), hydrogen sulfide (3%), carbon dioxide (100 PPM), methane (3%), and butane (3%). All of the concentrations in sample gas shown in parenthesis are by volume. Membranes of the present invention have been tested at temperatures ranging from minus 30oC to plus 50o C. Nernstian behavior was observed though, of course, voltage varies with temperature. It may be possible to use these membranes at higher temperatures, but no tests have been conducted. The above description of the invention has dealt with hydrogen detection. It is clear that any substance capable of dissociating in the presence of a catalyst to yield hydrogen ions may be detected in the same manner. An example is hydrogen chloride (using palladium or nickel catalyst if HCl is at room temperature). The Nernst equation applies in a manner similar to that described herein. The invention is also useful in detecting any gasous component of a gas sample which is capable of combining with hydrogen ions. Oxygen may be used to illustrate this embodiment. Protons passing through the membrane from a reference gas chamber containing pure hydrogen will combine with oxygen in a sample gas and electrons from the external circuit (for example, wires 3 and 4 of Figure 1) to form water in contrast to a hydrogen detector, wherein hydrogen is formed. The Nernst equation is applicable; the Eo term is not O, as it is when the same substance is present on both sides of the membrane, and the partial pressure of oxygen to the one-half power times the partial pressure hydrogen divided into the partial pressure of water replaces the analogous term of the equation. Hydrocarbons capable of hydrogenation or dehydrogenation may be subject of detection. Examples are cyclopentadiene, benzene, isoprene, cyclohexane, and isoamylene. In the sensor of the present invention the EMF developed is an open circuit value. Thus, theoretically there is no electrons flowing in the external circuit to combine with protons passing through the membrane and therefore no change in reference hydrogen concentration. Of course, in actuality there is a small current flowing and reference hydrogen concentration is constantly changing. A reference substance most possess the characteristic of constant hydrogen partial pressure while hydrogen concentration changes. Figure 3 depicts a portion of a phase diagram of a solid substance suitable for use as a reference substance in the present invention. For a sensor having a solid reference substance to function properly, the hydrogen concentration must lie on the plateau, or horizontal portion, of the curve of Figure 3, the plateau lying between points 31 and 32. As the hydrogen content of the reference substance increases or decreases due to operation of the sensor, that is, as hydrogen, or other substance, forms from the protons which pass through the membrane and the electrons which flow in the external circuit, the point representing the reference substance moves along the plateau. However, as long as the point is on the plateau the hydrogen partial pressure remains constant and, therefore, the reference substance is useful. It can be seen that a particular reference substance has a limited life. Since the time required to change the hydrogen concentration beyond the limits represented by points 31 and 32 can easily be measured in months or years, the use of a solid reference is practical. Since the flow of protons through the membrane substance may increase or decrease. When it passes above point 32 or below point 31, the reference substance must be replaced. Metal hydrides are, in general suitable for use as solid reference substances in this invention, since their phase diagrams are usually similar to that of Figure 3. There may be several plateaus on one diagram, so that there is a choice of reference partial pressures while using one particular substance. Examples of metal hydrides include substances consisting of hydrogen an oxygen with tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, or iridium, hydrogen-zirconium-nickel compounds, hydrogen-zirconium-platinum compounds, and compounds of hydrogen with platinum, palladium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, and niobium. Further examples comprise compounds of hydrogen and elements of atomic numbers of 3, 11, 12, 19 through 28, 37 through 48, 55 through 60, 62, 64, 72 through 78, 90 and 92. The present membranes can be used with a solid reference substance. In order to illustrate this embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus of Figure 2 is fabricated. Palladium layer 42 of approximately 100 nm (1000 Angstroms) thickness is sputter-deposited on substrate 41. The substrate used is alumina. Choices of substrate may be made from a wide variety of materials and are not a part of the invention. The palladium layer is moistened with DI water and a membrane of the present invention 43 is placed over it. The membrane has a thickness of approximately 50 µm. Platinum layer 44 is sputter-deposited on membranes 43 to a thickness of approxiamtely 40 nm (400 Angstroms). Wires 45 and 46 are attached to platinum layer 44 and palladium layer 42. The wires are connected to voltmeter 47. In addition, switch 48 is provided in parallel with the voltmeter to complete an external circuit when desired. The apparatus of Figure 2 is exposed to hydrogen gas for about two hours, with switch 48 closed, to add hydrogen to palladium layer 42 to provide the reference substance. Hydrogen dissociated at platinum layer 44 and the protons passed through membrane 43 while the electrons from the dissociated molecules flowed through the external circuit consisting of wires 45 and 46 and switch 48. It is not necessary to form the reference substance in place in this manner; palladium hydride could have been deposited on the substrate. The palladium hydride served at both catalytic agent and reference substance. The apparatus depicted in Figure 2 is an example of a sample cell or membrane housing. The space adjacent to catalytic agent 44 comprises the sample gas chamber. The space occupied by reference substance 42 comprises the reference chamber. Membrane 43 comprises a substantially imporous partition separating the chambers. If it were desired to use a catalytic agent separate from the reference substance, catalytic agent would be depicted as a layer between the layers 42 and 43. After completion of fabrication of the sensor, it is placed in a closed chamber and pure hydrogen gas is passed over the sensor. Switch 48 is open, since it is used only during fabrication of the sensor, i.e., during hydrogenation of the palladium. A valve in the outlet tubing from the closed chamber is partially closed to throttle hydrogen flow out of the chamber and increase chamber pressure. Voltages at various pressures are recorded and found to match values calculated using the Nernst equation. The reference partial pressure of hydrogen which is used in the Nernst equation to determine EMF is easily calculated. For example, niobium hydride has a hydrogen partial pressure of approximately 10-6 atmosphere, as calculated by the relationship 1 2 In P = A RT - B R , where A = enthalpy between the two hydride phases expressed in kcal/gm-atom, B = entropy between the two hydride phases expressed in cal/gm-atom-oK,P = P2 or P1 as defined above, and R and T are as defined above. It can be seen that a membrane mounted in a cell such as depicted in Figure 1 and 4 may be subjected to high differential pressures which may deform or burst the membrane. A composite membrane may be fabricated by casting a solution prepared as described above on a flexible porous support. A supported membrane assembly may be fabricated by attaching a membrane which is cast and dried as above to a rigid porous support. Attachement may be accomplished by moistening the surface of the membrane and support and pressing the moistened surfaces together. The moisture will evaporate. It is contemplated that any porous substrate which possesses a structural strength greater than the thin film membrane may be employed. Some examples of these porous supports will include compounds such as glass cloth, polysulfone, cellulose acetate, polyamides, ceramics such as alumina, glass, porcelain, etc., which have been fabricated to possess the necessary porosity. The amount of blend which is cast upon the flexible porous support will be that which is sufficient to form a thin film membrane having a thickness within the range therein set forth. After casting, the mutually miscible solvent such as water is removed by conventinal means such as normal evaporation or forced evaporation by the application of external heat, application of vacuum, etc., and the desired membrane comprising the thin film blend composited on the porous support may be recovered and utilized in an appropriate gas sensor apparatus. A polymer-blend membrane of the present invention is prepared. After a period of time sufficient to form the blend has passed, the solution is stirred and poured onto the top of a find glass cloth which was positioned in a standard Petri dish. The water is allowed to evaporate for a period of 48 hours and the resulting membrane composite comprising a thin film membrane composited on, or with, the glass cloth having a thickness of 95 µm is recovered. The composite membrane is cut into a circle having a (1") 25.4 mm diameter and platinum electrodes 1 square cm in area are sputter-dispersed on each side of the membrane. The membrane is then placed in a sample housing similar to that of Figure 1 for test. The sensor response is Nernstian. However, the resistivity is higher. As an illustration of the greater structural strengh of a polymer blend composited on a porous support when compared to unsupported membranes, reference may be made to previous work involving two component polymer blend membranes. Two polymer blend membranes were prepared. The polymer blend was prepared by dissolving 0.5 gram of poly(vinyl alcohol) having a molecular weight of 16,000 and 0.2 ml of orthophosphoric acid in boiling deionized water. The resulting blend was cast onto a glass cloth having a thickness of 30 µm. A second blend was prepared by admixing like proportions of poly(vinyl alcohol) and orthophosphoric acid and casting the resulting blend onto a Petri dish without a support. After removal of the solvent, the two membranes were recovered. Each membrane was placed in a holder which enabled air pressure to be exerted against one side of the membrane while the other side was at atmospheric pressure. When exposed to 5 (psig) 34 kPag, the unsupported membrane burst at its center in less than 1 minutes. At (2 psig) 14 kPag, another sample of unsupported membrane bulged and was permanently deformed. The composite membrane was subjected to various pressure levels in (5 psig) 34 kPag increments with one minute hold time between increases in pressure. It burst at (35 psig) 241 kPag, shearing at the edges of the test hole in the holder. The point of failure leads one to believe that holder design caused the shearing and that a higher burst pressure would be observed in a different holder. As is common in many analysis instruments, the sample gas provided to a sensor may require conditioning in order to achieve effective detection. Of course, any particulate matter and liquid droplets are removed. The extend of conditioning depends on the particular gas involved and its state. For example, an extremely hot gas must be cooled to a sufficiently low temperature so as not to degrade the apparatus by melting sensor components, including the membrane. A relatively cold as may need to be heated to a temperature which promotes a reasonable response time of the apparatus. A related factor to be considered is the necessity for knowing the temperature for use in the Nernst equation. The temperature may be measured or the temperature may be maintained at a pre-established constant value. If the calibration gas temperature is maintained at the same value, the matter is simplified. Water vapor and/or other substances are often removed from or added to a sample gas stream. Other sample-conditioning techniques may be required. For example, or in a situation where the concentration of the unknown substance is extremely large and capable of saturating the apparatus, the sample may be diluted by addition of a known amount of inert gas. The actual concentration of undiluted sample can then easily be calculated. A detector may take many forms. A portable battery-operated unit may be used as a "sniffer" to detect the presence in the atmosphere of a particular gas due to leakage from a closed system. A detector may be permanently mounted in a particular location to detect leaks. When conditioning is not required, a detector may be fabricated for insertion directly into a process pipeline. When a gas sample must be conditioned, a small sidestream may be withdrawn from a process pipeline on a continuous or intermittent basis and passed through a sample gas chamber. A quantity of reference gas may be sealed into a reference gas chamber instead of providing a continuous flow. As used herein, the term "detection" includes not only sensing presence or absence of the detected substance, but measurement of the amount of substance present, either in order of magnitude or exact amounts. Gas sample refers to any portion of a gas which is the subject of detection. A gas sample may have only one component. Sample cell or membrane housing or test fixture refers to a housing or fixture which holds an electrolyte element and other required components. Figure 5 depicts a membrane housing. Sensor is a general term denoting sensing apparatus, such apparatus comprising a membrane housing. Membrane or electrolyte element refers to an ion-conducting substance suitable for use as an electrolyte in the concentration cell of this invention which has been formed into a particular physical entity, either with or without additional substances, for use in the invention. Where an electrolyte element surface is referred to as in common with a gas or gas chamber, the meaning is the same as exposed to a gas or gas chamber and such reference does not preclude the presence of catalytic agent and electrodes at or covering the surface. Gas may diffuse through covering material. Sample gas chamber refers to any space in which gas which is the subeject of detection exists. For example, a sample cell can form a part of a pipeline wall such that the gas flowing in the pipeline is the sample gas and the pipeline is the sample gas chamber. The term "gas" is used herein to include vaporized liquids regardless of boiling point characteristics of the substance. As used herein, miscible means capable of being mixed where there may only be a very small degree of solubility. As is familiar to those skilled in the art, the terms concentration and partial pressure are often used interchangeably; partial pressure expresses concentration. Compatible may be taken to mean that compatible compounds will form the polymer-blend composition of matter. The design of sample, or detectors, or membrane housings, is well known. Many configurations are possible; Figure 1 provides an example of one type. Figure 4 depicts an embodiment of the invention where membrane housing 56 is mounted (attachment means not shown) in the wall of pipeline 57. Gas is present and may or may not be flowing in the pipeline. The sample gas chamber is the interior of the pipe adjacent to housing 56, while the reference chamber is defined by housing 56 and solid electrolyte membrane 60. Reference gas is sealed into the reference gas chamber; thus it is necessary to replace the reference gas at intervals upon its changing in concentration as a result of the cell reaction sufficiently to affect sensor results. It should also be noted that the membrane is not expected to be totally impermeable and that substances in addition to hydrogen ion may pass through it. Permeability experimentation has not been accomplished, except to the extent indicated herein. Alternatively, the reference chamber may contain a solid reference substance. Electrically conductive catalytic agent is present on both sides of membrane 60, as shown by reference numbers 55 and 59. Wire leads 53 and 54 extend outside the apparatus for connection to voltage detection means. Retaining rings 52 and 58 serve to hold membrane 60 in place at its perimeter (exact detail not shown). Screen 51 is provided to protect membrane 60 from the impact of large particles or objects. If a greater membrane surface area than that of Figure 4 is desired, a detector may be fabricated in the form of a cylindrical probe for insertion into a pipeline. Membrane material may be placed over a perforated pipe which is sealed at one end. The interior of the perforated pipe is the reference gas chamber. It may be desirable to protect the membrane and catalytic agent by covering it with a porous substance through which sample gas can pass. Referring to Figure 5, an embodiment of the invention in which a membrane 66 serves as a part of partition 65 is shown. Partition 65 separates a sample gas chamber from a reference gas chamber. Catalytic agent 67 and 68 wire leads 63 and 64 perform the functions discussed above.

Claims: Apparatus for detection, in a gas sample, of a gaseous component which is capable, in the presence of a catalytic agent, of dissociating to yield hydrogen ions or of combining with hydrogen ions comprising: (a) a thin film polymer-blend, proton-conducting membrane (1;43;60;66) which comprises an organic polymer or copolymer and an inorganic compound; (b) a membrane housing (2;56) comprising a sample gas chamber (8) and a chamber (9) containing a reference substance separated by a partition comprising said membrane (1;43;60;66) said membrane having a first surface in common with the sample gas chamber and a second surface in common with the reference substance chamber: (c) a first catalytic agent (5;42;59;67) effective to promote dissociation and combination of hydrogen ions in contact with said first surface and a second catalytic agent (5;44;55;68) effective to promote dissociation and combination of hydrogen ions in contact with said second surface; (d) means (3,4,6;44-48;53-55;63,64) for forming electrical connection in operative contact with said first catalytic agent at said first surface and with said second catalytic agent at said second surface and for measuring an EMF signal between said surfaces; and, (e) means (10,12) for introducing the gas sample into said sample gas chamber (8) and means for correlating the resulting EMF signal with the existence or amount of said gaseous compound, characterized in that the membrane (1;43;60;66) comprises a combination of said organic polymer or copolymer, said inorganic compound, selected from phosphoric acids, sulfuric acid and heteropoly acids, and an organic compound selected from polymers and copolymers having monomer units containing nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms, which organic compound is compatible with said inorganic compound and said organic polymer or copolymers . An apparatus according to Claim 1 characterized in that said catalytic agents comprise a substance selected from platinum, palladium and alloys thereof. An apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2 characterized in that said inorganic compound is present in said membrane in an amount from 1 to about 75 weight percent, said organic polymer or copolymer is present in said membrane in an amount from 1 to 49 weight percent, and said organic compound is present in said membrane in an amount from 1 to 49 weight percent. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 characterized in that said membrane has a thickness of 0.1 to 500 micrometres. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said membrane is composited with a flexible porous support. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 characterized in that said reference substance is a solid and is in contact with said second catalytic agent and exhibits a substantially constant known hydrogen partial pressure during use of said detection apparatus. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 characterized in that said reference substance and second catalytic agent comprise palladium hydride. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 characterized in that said membrane comprises poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) or orthophosphoric acid. A method for detection, in a gas sample, of a gaseous component which is capable, in the presence of a catalytic agent, of dissociating to yield hydrogen ions or of combining with hydrogen ions, such method comprising introducing said gas sample into the sample gas chamber of an apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, measuring the EMF signal generated therein, and correlating the resulting EMF signal with the existence or amount of said gaseous component. A method according to Claim 9 characterized in that said gaseous component is elemental hydrogen or elemental oxygen. A thin film polymer-blend, proton-conducting membrane which comprises an organic polymer or copolymer and an inorganic compound, characterized in that the membrane comprises a combination of said organic polymer or copolymer, said inorganic compound, selected from phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, heteropoly acids and salts of heteropoly acids, and an organic compound selected from polymers and copolymers having monomer units containing nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms, which organic compound is compatible with said inorganic compound and said organic polymer.

Inventors: PETTY-WEEKS, SANDRA LOUISE
Applicants: UOP
Application year: 1987
Main classification: G01N27
IPC codes: G01N27, C08K3, C08L101, G01N31