A mixed-potential gas sensor using a SrCe0.95Yb0.05O3-alpha electrolyte with a platinum electrode for detection of hydrocarbons

Mixed-potential type sensors using different ion conducting electrolytes wi th a Pt working electrode have been fabricated to investigate a relationshi p between the sensing properties for hydrocarbons and ion conduction in the electrolyte under oxidizing conditions at 600 degreesC. There was an incre ase in the mixed potential for propene with increasing proton conduction or decreasing oxide ion conduction. The sensor using a SrCe0.95Yb0.05O3-alpha electrolyte showed an enhanced mixed potential for C1-C4 hydrocarbons by i ncreasing the carbon number, unsaturating the C-C linkage, and branching th e chain structure. In addition, this sensor barely showed the mixed potenti al for hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen monoxide. (C) 2001 The Elect rochemical Society. All rights reserved.