Iridium thin ribbon electrodes for electrochemical cells

• US 3,954,590 A
• Filed: 01/13/1975
• Issued: 05/04/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/1972
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: TA Instruments, Inc. (Waters Corporation)
• Original Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (Corteva, Inc.)
• Inventors: Czuha, Michael Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tung, T.
• Application Number:
  US05/540,451
• Time in Patent Office: 477 Days
• Field of Search: 73/336.5, 204/1 T, 204/195 W
• US Class Current: 204/430
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/07 Construction of measuring vessels; Electrodes therefor

Abstract

Diffusion electrolytic moisture detection cells having either the cathode or both electrodes formed of iridium or an alloy of at least 10 wt.% iridium and a noble metal. The electrodes are from 0.1 to 1 micron in thickness and are supported on either glass or alumina.

Claims

1. An electrolytic moisture detection cell comprising a substrate, spaced apart thin ribbon metal electrodes having a thickness of from about 0.1 to about 1.0 micron attached to and supported by said substrate, said electrodes comprising an anode and a cathode, the cathode being formed of a metal consisting essentially of iridium or an alloy containing at least 10 weight percent iridium and the remainder platinum;

and a hygroscopic film deposited on said substrate and filling at least a portion of the space between said anode and said cathode.

2. The electrolytic moisture detection cell of claim 1 wherein said cell is a diffusion electrolytic cell and a diffusion barrier covers the electrodes and the hygroscopic film.

3. The electrolytic moisture detection cell of claim 2 wherein both of said electrodes are formed of said metal.

4. The electrolytic moisture detection cell of claim 3 wherein said metal is substantially pure iridium.

5. The electrolytic moisture detection cell of claim 2 wherein both of said electrodes are attached to and supported by a substrate of glass or alumina.

6. The electrolytic detection cell of claim 5 wherein both of said electrodes are formed of said metal.

7. The electrolytic detection cell of claim 6 wherein said metal is substantially pure iridium.