Compact YSZ-Rod-Based Hydrocarbon Sensor Utilizing Metal-Oxide Sensing-Electrode and Mn-Based Reference-Electrode Combination

Miniaturized mixed-potential-type planar-like sensors using yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coupled with a metal oxide sensing electrode (SE) and a Mn-based reference electrode (RE) were fabricated. Among the different oxide-SEs examined, the sensor using Cr(2)O(3)-SE was found to give comparatively high selectivity towards hydrocarbons (HCs) at 550 degrees C under a humid working condition (5 vol % water vapor), exhibiting similar values of sensitivity to both saturated and unsaturated HCs. By the addition of 30 wt % NiCr(2)O(4) into the Cr(2)O(3)-SE, HCs sensitivity was augmented. The sensitivity of the developed sensor had a linear dependence on the logarithm of HC concentration. (C) 2011 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3568883] All rights reserved.