Application of commercial sensor manufacturing methods for NOx/NH3 mixed potential sensors for emissions control
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
The purpose of this research effort is to develop a low cost on-board Nitrogen Oxide (NO{sub x})/Ammonia (NH{sub 3}) sensor that can not only be used for emissions control but has the potential to improve efficiency through better monitoring of the combustion process and feedback control in both vehicle and stationary systems. Over the past decade, Los AJamos National Laboratory (LANL) has developed a unique class of electrochemical gas sensors for the detection of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, hydrogen and nitrogen oxides. These sensors are based on the mixed-potential phenomenon and are a modification of the existing automotive lambda (oxygen) sensor and have the potential to meet the stringent sensitivity, selectivity and stability requirements of an on-board emissions/engine control sensor system. The current state of the art LANL technology is based on the stabilization of the electrochemical interfaces and relies on an externally heated, hand-made, tape cast device. We are now poised to apply our patented sensing principles in a mass production sensor platform that is more suitable for real world engine-out testing such as on dynamometers for vehicle applications and for exhaust-out testing in heavy boilers/SCR systems in power plants. In this present work, our goal is to advance towards commercialization of this technology by packaging the unique LANL sensor design in a standard automotive sensor-type platform. This work is being performed with the help of a leading US technical ceramics firm, utilizing commercial manufacturing techniques. Initial tape cast platforms with screen printed metal oxide and Pt sensor electrodes have shown promising results but also clearly show the need for us to optimize the electrode and electrolyte compositions/morphologies and interfaces of these devices in order to demonstrate a sensitive, selective, and stable NO{sub x} sensor. Our previous methods and routes to preparing stable and reproducible mixed potential sensors - in bulk, tape cast, and thin film variants - need to be adapted as a necessary adjunct to address materials challenges resulting from the implementation of commercial manufacturing methods. We also modified the electrodes to demonstrate a NH{sub 3} sensor that can be used in conjunction with the NO{sub x} sensor for feedback control of emissions systems. Once desirable properties are achieved, we will work closely with potential customers in order to dynamometer and boiler test these devices. Ultimately, this will accurately gauge the level of readiness of mixed potential sensor technology for commercialization and eventual use of this important electrochemical technology.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC52-06NA25396
- OSTI ID:
- 988324
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-09-02300; LA-UR-09-2300; TRN: US201018%%489
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 34th Tech. Conf. on Clean Coal ; May 31, 2009 ; Clearwater, FL
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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