Non-Nernstian planar sensors based on YSZ with a Nb2O5 electrode

Laure Chevallier*, Elisabetta Di Bartolomeo, Maria Luisa Grilli, Marina Mainas, Briggs White, Eric D. Wachsman, Enrico Traversa

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

The discussion about the sensing mechanism of non-Nernstian electrochemical gas sensors with a semiconducting sensing electrode is still open. This work reports a study of the influence of the metallic electrode under the semiconducting metal oxide, Nb2O5, on the sensor response. Planar sensors based on tape-cast YSZ layers were fabricated. Two Pt or Au finger electrodes were deposited on one side of the layers. One of the electrodes was covered with a Nb2O5 thick film. The response to CO was studied performing electromotive force (EMF) measurements in the 450-650 °C temperature range. In order to better understand the sensing mechanism, the electrical measurements were correlated to catalytic measurements performed on both electrodes. With no catalytic electrodes, the adsorption-Fermi level related mechanism seems to prevail, while in the case of sensors with Nb2O5|Pt|YSZ electrode, the mixed potential theory is more adapted to explain the results.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)591-598
Number of pages8
JournalSensors and Actuators, B: Chemical
Volume129
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 22 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Metallic electrode
  • NbO sensing electrode
  • TPR analysis
  • YSZ-based gas sensors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Instrumentation
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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