Judith Steciak

Measuring the Temperature Coefficient of Resistance for Nanospring Combustion Catalysts

Platinum has been recognized as a viable combustion catalyst. Its change in electrical resistance with temperature has been used to measure light-off temperatures and rates of heat generation for various fuel-oxygen mixtures at the University of Idaho. In an attempt to maximize the surface area for these reactions to occur, platinum-coated nanosprings have been manufactured. A reliable method of determining an effective temperature-dependent temperature coefficient of resistance (α(T)) for the nanosprings assembly has been developed and verified using pure platinum. Measured values of α(T) for platinum were matched against literature data at 373 and 1100 K. A linear fit was assumed for the gap between these temperatures; measurements made with platinum at intermediate temperatures were in good agreement. Using the same methodology, α(T) for the nanosprings assembly will be determined, which will allow for further research of the nanosprings in catalytic combustion.Copyright