文章信息

Mixed-potential type (MPT) NO₂ sensors equipped with CeO₂-B₂O₃ (B = Fe, Cr) sensing electrode (SE) and yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ-8Y) electrolyte are fabricated. The new ceria-based nanocomposites synthesized by sol-gel method improve the NO₂ gas sensing properties significantly. The highest response to NO₂ is found for the sensor using CeO₂-Cr₂O₃ binary oxides with 1:1 Ce/Cr sintered at 800 ℃, resulting in 100 mV to 100 ppm with relatively fast response and recovery times at the working temperature of 450 ℃. A linear relation is obtained for the sensor with configuration of Pt/YSZICeO₂-B₂O₃ (B = Fe, Cr) between potential difference (AV) and the logarithm of the concentration of NO2 from 5 to 200 ppm, which the sensitivities are 40.5 and 74.0 mV/decade, respectively. Additionally, the sensor's reproducibility, selectivity, cross-sensitivity and stability are investigated in details. Furthermore, the mixed potential sensing mechanism and catalytic activity to NO₂ for ceria-based nanocomposites are also discussed.