Stabilization of sensing performance for mixed-potential-type zirconia-based hydrocarbon sensor

The recently reported sensing characteristics of the mixed-potential-type yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-based hydrocarbon (HC) sensor attached with ZnCr₂O₄-sensing electrode (SE) were found to be changed after the 10-day operation at 550 °C under the wet condition (5 vol.% water vapor). To improve the stability of the present sensor, the several modifications of the SE material by adding YSZ powder were examined. As a result, the sensor using the laminated (ZnCr₂O₄/YSZ)-SE gave the stable electromotive force (emf) response against 100 ppm C₃H₆ at 550 °C for about one month examined. Based on the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and the AC complex-impedance measurements, it was concluded that the stable behavior of the sensor using the laminated (ZnCr₂O₄/YSZ)-SE was provided by the stabilization of the interface between ZnCr₂O₄ grains and YSZ particles. The fabricated sensor exhibited the linear dependence of sensitivity on the logarithm of either C₃H₆ concentration (in the range of 20-800 ppm) or mixtures of various hydrocarbons (HCs) (in the range of 90-2600 ppmC). In addition, the emf response was not altered by the change of O₂ (2-20 vol.%), H₂O (0-10.8 vol.%) and CO₂ (0-20 vol.%) concentrations, and no interference of other gases (CO, NO, NO₂, H₂, and CH₄) was observed.