Effect of electrode polarization on the response of an amperometric oxygen sensor
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
A solid-state gas phase oxygen sensor which responds linearly to changes in oxygen partial pressure would be desirable in many applications, in particular for lean burn automobile engine control. One candidate for a sensor which operates in this fashion is an amperometric sensor, based upon a suitable oxide ion conductor, with a diffusion barrier. However, many conditions have to be satisfied in order to obtain the desired linear oxygen response. In particular, diffusion through the diffusion barrier must be the rate limiting step, and not oxygen pumping through the electrolyte. The pumping capacity is generally assumed to be determined by the resistance of the bulk electrolyte of the pumping cell. Cathode polarization is generally ignored. In this work, the authors demonstrate that in certain situations cathode polarization can be a critical factor in determining sensor performance.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 441248
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960782--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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