Sub-ppm YSZ-based mixed potential type acetone sensor utilizing columbite type composite oxide sensing electrode

Mixed potential type solid-state electrochemical gas sensors using yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and columbite composite oxide sensing electrodes (SEs) prepared via a facile sol-gel method were developed for detection of sub-ppm acetone at 600 degrees C. In the comparison of different devices, the sensor attached with CdNb2O6-SE displayed the highest response of 25 mV to 5 ppm acetone and even could achieve low detection limit of 200 ppb at 600 degrees C. The fabricated sensor using CdNb2O6-SE exhibited rapid response and recovery times to 2 ppm acetone at 600 degrees C, which are 9 and 21 s, respectively. Additionally, the present device also showed good repeatability, selectivity, wet-resistance and stability in 30 day measured periods at 600 degrees C. Moreover, the sensing mechanism related to mixed potential was proposed and analyzed quantitatively and further demonstrated by polarization curve. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.