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Sensing mechanism of non-equilibrium solid-electrolyte-based chemical sensors

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Abstract

Solid electrolytes can be used in several different types of chemical sensors. A common approach is to use the equilibrium potential generated across a solid electrolyte given by the Nernst equation as the sensing signal. However, in some cases, stable electrode materials are not available to establish equilibrium potentials, so non-equilibrium approaches are necessary. The sensing signal generated by such sensors is often described by the mixed potential theory, in which a pair of electrochemical reactions establishes a steady state at the electrode, such that the electrons produced by an oxidation reaction are consumed by a reduction reaction. The rates of both reactions depend on several factors, such as electron exchange, active area, and gas phase diffusion, so establishment of the steady-state potential is complex and alternative explanations have been proposed. This paper will review and discuss the mechanisms proposed to explain the sensor response of non-equilibrium-based electrochemical sensors.

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  1. Materials Research and Education Center, Auburn University, 275 Wilmore Laboratories, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA

    Jeffrey W. Fergus

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Fergus, J.W. Sensing mechanism of non-equilibrium solid-electrolyte-based chemical sensors. J Solid State Electrochem 15, 971–984 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10008-010-1046-4

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