Electrode composition and application method for oxygen generators

Abstract

The present invention is an oxygen generator including a stabilized bismuth oxide body and a plurality of first and second channels. The first channels receive a first gas containing some oxygen and the second channels are sealed at the input and outlet openings and extend generally in parallel to the first channels. Electrodes are disposed on the channel walls of the first and second channels, the electrode composition includes LXM, wherein L is lanthanum, M is manganate, and X is strontium, calcium, lead or barium. The oxygen generator may further include silver disposed over the LXM which thereby decreases the resistivity of the electrodes without the electromigration of the silver. The silver may be mixed with glass to thereby provide improved adherence of the silver to the LXM. A method of making an oxygen generator includes forming a stabilized bismuth oxide body having channels extending therethrough and forming LXM electrodes in the channels. Forming the LXM electrodes in the channels includes mixing an LXM powder with an organic liquid to form a slurry, applying the slurry to the stabilized bismuth oxide body and firing the body. The method may further include forming a silver layer over the LXM in the channels, thereby forming a multi-layer electrode composition having a low resistivity in which the LXM acts as an electromigration barrier for the silver.