Application of Nano-Sized CeO2 Powder for Fast Response Oxygen Sensors

For resistive oxygen sensor elements of Ce(1-x)Zr(x)O(2) (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2), grain diameter was varied in the range of 86 - 300 nm by changing sintering temperature or changing Zr content. The grain diameter decreased with increasing Zr content. The response time was approximately proportional to the square of the grain diameter. In the relationship between the amplitude of sensor output, A(n) and the frequency, f of sine wave of variation in oxygen partial pressure, the gradient in the high-frequency region of a plot of log A(n) vs. log f in was approximately -0.5. From these results, it was concluded that the sensor response was determined by the oxygen vacancy diffusion rate. The grain diameter of Ce(0.8)Zr(0.2)O(2) element was 86 nm and the response time at 1073 K was 9 ms, which result opens the door to the technological development of independent control of engine cylinders.