Organic gas sensor using BiCuVOx solid electrolyte

A potentiometric organic gas sensor-based on BiCuVOx (Bi2Cu0.1V0.9O5.35) solid electrolyte was investigated. Electromotive force (EMF) of the sensor device, in which a BiCuVOx sintered disk is fitted with composite electrodes of BiCuVOx/La0.6Sr0.4Co0.78Ni0.02Fe0.2O3, was measured in the presence of various organic gases at 350–500 °C. The device responded to volatile organic compounds (VOC) of formaldehyde, toluene, and ethanol, but showed little sensitivities to methane, propane, propene, CO, and H2. The EMF of the sensor was linear to the logarithm of organic gas concentrations, suggesting that the generation of EMF is explained on the basis of the mixed potential theory. The observed good sensitivity toward VOC derives from the good oxide ion conductivity of BiCuVOx and proper electro-catalytic activity of the perovskite oxide electrode even at lower temperature.