A Novel On-Line Ammonia Sensor for Energy Conversion Applications

40445 Giner, Inc. The monitoring of ammonia gas, in addition to its importance in medical diagnosis, has become a routine requirement in industrial, process and environmental control. Commercially available sensors for these applications lack stability, suffer from uncontrollable temperature effects, are easily distorted by interfering cations, and are too expensive in order to be used on a broad routine basis. This project will develop a solid state electrochemical ammonia (NH3) sensor based on solid ionomer membrane technology. An on-line ammonia sensor could also be used to assure efficiency and lifetime of acid fuel cells, operating on certain hydrocarbon-derived reformate fuels, since traces of NH3 can significantly reduce their performance qualities. During Phase I, feasibility of the new sensing concept will be explored for energy and process applications, while performance for a specific application will be pursued during Phase II. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: This new electrochemical ammonia sensor design is expected to overcome performance limitations of the presently available devices and to yield reproducible, stable, and reliable low-cost sensing devices. U S. companies worldwide would have a significant advantage in energy conversion, process control, and environmental monitoring.