Electronic conduction in low oxygen partial pressure measurements using anamperometric zirconia oxygen sensor

An yttria-stabilized zirconia (10-mol% YSZ) amperometric oxygen sensor has been fabricated for the purpose of detecting small oxygen partial pressures . The oxygen sensor has been characterized for response in the 0-3 mu bar r ange. The sensor exhibits a linear response in the 0.3-3 mu bar range. The onset of electronic conduction below 0.3 mu bar introduces ambiguities in o xygen partial pressure determination. The onset of electronic conduction, i ts effects on sensor response, and its reversibility are examined in this p aper. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.