A Highly Sensitive, Flow Through H2 Gas Analyzer for Use in Nitrogen Fixation Studies 1

摘要

Studies of H2 evolution by N2 fixing systems are frequently limited by an inability to accurately measure H2 gas concentrations of less than about 10 microliters per liter. In this study, a H2 gas analyzer is described which is able to accurately and reproducibly detect up to 100 times lower H2 concentrations than most thermal conductivity gas chromatographs or other conventional instruments used for the measurement of H2 gas. This high level of sensitivity (maximum of about 0.02 microliter per liter H2 per millivolt output) and the ability to continuously monitor H2 concentration directly in a flowing gas stream, makes this instrument well suited for use in an open gas exchange system.