Oxidation resistant organic hydrogen getters

Abstract

A composition for removing hydrogen from an atmosphere, comprising a mixture of a polyphenyl ether and a hydrogenation catalyst, preferably a precious metal catalyst, and most preferably Pt. This composition is stable in the presence of oxygen, will not polymerize or degrade upon exposure to temperatures in excess of 200° C., or prolonged exposure to temperatures in the range of 100-300° C.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A composition for absorbing hydrogen, comprising: 
 a mixture of a polyphenyl ether and a hydrogenation catalyst.    
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the polyphenyl ether is comprised of 4 to 7 basic structural units.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenation catalyst is a precious metal or a metallic salt thereof.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the hydrogenation catalyst is Pt.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein the hydrogenation catalyst is present at a concentration of from about 0.5 to 5 wt %.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenation catalyst is supported on a porous solid.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6 , wherein the porous solid is activated carbon, aluminum oxide, or barium carbonate, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The compositin of  claim 1 , wherein the concentration of supported hydrogenation catalyst is from about 5-50 wt % of the supported catalyst containing about 1-10 wt % metal.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , further including a binder or filler.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein the binder or filler is an inert polymer, a thixotropic agent, a mineral, a carbon powder, or finely divided silica.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the binder or filler is present at a concentration of from about 20-70 wt %.