Ammonia Sensor Including Thermal Indicator Component and Acid-Functional Sorbent, and Method of Use

• Main Authors: Webb, Richard C, Wendland, Michael S, Hamerly, Michael E, Kobe, Michael W
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 08.12.2022
• Subjects: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIRCHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; MEASURING; PHYSICS; TESTING

The present disclosure provides an ammonia sensor and method of use. The sensor includes: at least one thermal indicator component independently selected from an electronic thermal sensor, an irreversible temperature indicator, and a heat-shrinkable film; an acid-functional porous sorbent in thermal contact with the at least one thermal indicator component; and an acid having a boiling point above 120° C. and a pKa of no greater than 2.5. The acid is impregnated in or covalently attached to the porous sorbent. The method includes: placing an ammonia sensor in contact with a container holding a volume of ammonia; and monitoring the ammonia sensor for a detectable response from the at least one thermal indicator component due to contact of ammonia with the acid that generates thermal energy sufficient to cause the response.