Limited use components for an electrochemical device

Abstract

The present invention provides an ozone generating system that combines single-use elements or segments with an extended use fixture that is used to activate the single-use elements. One embodiment of the invention consists of a strip of proton exchange membrane (PEM) having the ozone producing catalyst applied directly onto one side of membrane. Optionally, the application of this catalyst may be divided into segments or patches, wherein each segment represents the limited-use portion of the ozone generator. Each segment may be advanced into a fixture that provides the balance of the electrochemical system required for operation of the ozone generator. This balance of system may include additional subsystems, with a power supply, water source, electrical contacts, electronic controllers, sensors and feedback components, being typical examples.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A subassembly for an electrochemical cell comprising: 
 a carrier strip divided into segments;    an array of duplicate components for forming a part of the electrochemical cell having an active area, wherein each of the segments contain the array of duplicate components,    a cover sealed around each of the segments, wherein the duplicate components are completely sealed from the environment.    
     
     
         2 . The subassembly of  claim 1 , wherein the duplicate components are selected from a proton exchange membrane, an anion exchange membrane, an anodic electrocatalyst, a cathodic electrocatalyst, a selectively rupturable water reservoir, an ozone indicator patch and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The subassembly of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier strip is selected from a continuous ion exchange membrane, a hydrophobic material, and a screen.  
     
     
         4 . The subassembly of  claim 3 , wherein the screen material is selected from a metal, a plastic, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The subassembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is sealed by means selected from adhesives or thermally welding.  
     
     
         6 . The subassembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is peeled back to expose a fresh segment.  
     
     
         7 . The subassembly of  claim 2 , wherein the indicator patch is dyed with an ozone sensitive dye selected from indigo dyes, color developing indicators, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         8 . A subassembly comprising: 
 a carrier strip divided into segments;    an array of duplicate electrocatalyst deposits upon the carrier strip, wherein the carrier strip may be peeled back to allow transfer of the electrocatalyst to a surface.    
     
     
         9 . The subassembly of  claim 8 , wherein the surface is an ion exchange membrane.  
     
     
         10 . The subassembly of  claim 8 , further comprising a cover sealed around each of the segments, wherein the duplicate electrocatalyst deposits are completely sealed from the environment.  
     
     
         11 . The subassembly of  claim 8 , wherein the duplicate electrocatalyst deposits are selected from an anodic electrocatalyst and a cathodic electrocatalyst.  
     
     
         12 . The subassembly of  claim 8 , wherein the carrier strip is selected from a continuous ion exchange membrane, a hydrophobic material, and a screen.  
     
     
         13 . The subassembly of  claim 8 , wherein the screen material is selected from a metal, a plastic, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         14 . The subassembly of  claim 10 , wherein the cover is sealed by means selected from adhesives or thermally welding.  
     
     
         15 . The subassembly of  claim 10 , wherein the cover is peeled back to expose a fresh segment.