Selective real-time quantification of hydrogen within mixtures of gases via an electrochemical method

Herein a highly selective real-time hydrogen quantification method based on electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen in a mixture of dry or humid gases is presented. This approach gives more reliable data for any area of research dealing with hydrogen with impurities or in a mixture of various gases especially for dynamic processes. The method itself is tested and verified by employing defined amounts of hydrogen to the electrochemical test cell with a mass flow controller. The limit of quantification is 0.30 ml H2 min−1 and the maximal hydrogen flow investigated in the test cell is 100 ml H2 min−1. The method is applied for two processes with highly dynamic hydrogen evolution reactions: the steam iron process and the catalytic hydrolysis of borohydride as chemical hydrogen storage compound. In comparison to state-of-the-art methods it is possible to detect hydrogen selectively and in real-time.