A resistance heater for heating fluids including a fluid-permeable porous
substrate. An electrically conductive porous thin film is deposited on the
porous substrate. An electrical connector coupled to the thin film and
adapted to provide an electrical circuit through said thin film to effect
heating of said thin film in order to heat a fluid passing through the
pours of the thin film and substrate. A method of making and using a
resistance heater is also disclosed.
