Abstract
Sensor tests on zirconia membrane probes incorporating nonstoichiometric oxides of the general formula (U, M)O2±x and having the fluorite structure have been described over the temperature range of 300 to 600° C and oxygen concentrations between 100 and 0.1%. The results have been compared with those for porous platinum electrodes. The sensors with (U, M)O2±x electrodes performed well, down to 350°C, whereas those with porous platinum electrodes showed large deviations from Nernstian behaviour even at 450°C. The variables studied included the effect of dopant concentration and type, surface area of the electrode and heat treatment. The electrolyte used in the sensor tests had at least an order of magnitude lower conductivity compared with the traditionally used electrolytes such as Y2O3−ZrO2 or Sc2O3−ZrO2. Despite this, the better performance of sensors provided with (U, M)O2±x electrodes suggests that the electrode/electrolyte interface plays a much more dominant role than the electrolyte.
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Badwal, S.P.S., Ciacchi, F.T. Performance of zirconia membrane oxygen sensors at low temperatures with nonstoichiometric oxide electrodes. J Appl Electrochem 16, 28–40 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01015981
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01015981